Middle East Programs

Middle East Investment Initiative

MEP’s current work reflects its past efforts, which launched the group’s Middle East Investment Initiative, a public-private partnership of the Aspen Institute, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Palestinian Investment Fund. MEII’s Loan Guarantee Fund is a $228 million loan guarantee program for small and medium-sized businesses in the Palestinian Territories. To date, the LGF guaranteed eight projects, totaling more than $1.6 million. By the end of 2008, the LGF will be supporting 150 projects valued at more than $40 million.  These projects will create 1000’s new permanent jobs, as well as secondary jobs. MEII has also developed a viable mortgage finance marketplace enabling low income households to purchase homes. It also financed the purchase of 10,000 – 12,000 housing units on Palestinian owned land for such projects as the Rawabi housing project, north of Ramallah. 

Learn more about the Middle East Investment Initiative.