The Middle East Investment Initiative (MEII) is a unique public/private partnership created by the Aspen Institute to help foster economic activity, create new jobs and help Palestinians develop a strong stake in the future stability of the region. 

A 2004 study by the Portland Trust looking at the possibility of such a Palestinian loan guarantee initiative found that if investment capital was made available, small firms predicted a 400% increase in employment; medium and larger businesses predicted a 240% increase in employment; and firms across the sample predicted a 90% increase in average output.

An Overview:

Operations in the region are coordinated by CHF International a nonprofit with a long, successful history of managing international lending programs.

MEII has partnered with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the Palestinian Investment Fund (PIF) to create a $160 million loan guarantee program for small and medium-sized businesses in the West Bank (and in Gaza when circumstances permit).

These small– and medium-sized enterprises businesses represent 90% of all registered businesses but are seriously hampered by a lack of access to credit. MEII will guarantee up to 70% of local bank loans to these businesses, offering additional support to banks to enhance lending capacity.

The initiative has received a strong endorsement from senior Palestinian officials and has been greeted enthusiastically by local banks.

The Middle East Initiative (MEII), an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, was created by the Aspen Institute’s Middle East Strategy Group (MESG). Founded in 1950, the Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering enlightened leadership and open-minded, non-partisan dialogue. The Institute is headquartered in Washington, DC.

Program Goals:

• Increase the credit available to Palestinian businesses
• Reduce collateral requirements
• Improve productive capacity of Palestinian businesses

Impact:

• Stimulate economic growth
• Create sustainable jobs
  Develop economic stakeholders

Find out more about CHF International's long-standing presence in the West Bank/Gaza