RAMALLAH, 8 May — In affirmation of the importance of investing in the Palestinian economy and continuing operations in spite of the ongoing difficult environment, the National Beverage Company Coca-Cola is re-launching its operations after halting production of beverages for 23 days as a result of the occupation of Ramallah.
Zahi Khoury, chairman of the board of directors, said that the company will continue to operate in Palestine in spite of the difficult situation facing the region and particularly since Coca-Cola is considered one of the largest Palestinian companies that play a pivotal role in the Palestinian economy.
"Our faith in the Palestinian economy is limitless, and therefore, we at the National Beverage Company strive to continue our investment in the Palestinian economy. By doing so, we believe we make an important contribution to its revival. In addition, we re-employ a significant number of Palestinians, as part of the process of rebuilding the community," said Khoury. "Companies like ours have struggled as production and sales came to a halt while expenses remained fixed, a situation that could result in an economic catastrophe if the conditions do not improve."
The National Beverage Company Coca-Cola provides 500 direct job opportunities, while those who indirectly benefit from the company are approximately 6,000 Palestinian families. The National Beverage Company contributes approximately $15 million into the Palestinian economy.
The National Beverage Company Coca-Cola has suffered difficulties in conducting its business since the beginning of Israeli closures more than a year and a half ago, because of its inability to distribute its products effectively. Imad Al-Hindi, production manager, said that the distribution had come to a complete standstill 10 days before the recent Israeli occupation of Ramallah.
"Production and sales doubled in 2001 and were set to grow another 30 percent in 2002. However, as a result of the closures and consequent difficulties of getting our products to the consumers, sales for 2002 so far do not exceed 1999-2000 levels," Hindi added.