week, a conservative estimate of weekly Israeli Arab expenditures in Jenin was USD 1 million. The surveys also indicated that local businesses were reacting to the influx of shoppers by changing their range of goods and services, hiring more employees and/or expanding hours for existing employees, and launching new advertising programs.29
Shaar Efrayim Crossing In 2011, an average of 380 trucks passed through the Shaar Efrayim Crossing each day. The daily average of pedestrians passing through the crossing during this period was 3,500. In partnership with USAID, NIS 15 million has been invested in the upgrade of the Shaar Efrayim Crossing. Access roads have been constructed in order to ease heavy traffic. Additional scanner and aggregate areas have been built, and the area of the crossing has been doubled. Additional lanes have been constructed, and lanes have been merged.30 This upgrade has enabled a substantial increase in the volume of goods passing through the crossing and has cut in half the time it takes to transport goods through the crossing. In addition, the construction of a meeting lounge for Israeli and Palestinian businesspeople is underway. It is expected to enhance the business environment, and to help provide additional tools to expand trade and investment in the PA. Completion is projected for November 2012.31
Tarkumiya Crossing32 In 2011, an average of 467 trucks passed through the crossing each day. The daily average of pedestrians passing through the crossing during this period was 3,100. In partnership with USAID, an NIS 13.5 million project aims to expand the passage area for goods, the entry to the passage area, and other unloading areas, at the Tarkumiya Crossing. Furthermore, an additional scanner will be installed, and additional unloading areas will be constructed. USAID has placed the project on hold, due to budgeting considerations. Hours of operation have been expanded to 13 hours a day.
29
USAID
31
Ministry for Regional Cooperation Crossings Authority
32
12