Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry Leads Strategic Study Tour to the United States Under “Skill Up” Project
Event Date:
28 July 2025
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry – BCCI concluded a high-level study tour to the United States, conducted from June 11th through June 23rd, 2025, as part of the “Skill Up: Building a Sustainable Economic Future in Bethlehem Governorate” project, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
The visit was implemented in close collaboration with the University of Michigan as the main academic partner, and the Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC) as a supporting partner. The delegation included 10 professionals representing BCCI, Bethlehem University, Salesian Vocational Training Center, Arab Hotel Association, Bethlehem Multidisciplinary Industrial Park, Ramallah Chamber of commerce and Industry.
The program included meetings with a wide range of U.S. institutions that represent advanced models in academic, vocational and technical education, entrepreneurship, economic development, and public-private partnerships. Notable institutions included the University of Michigan, Wayne County Community College, Tech Town at Wayne State University, the Arab American Chamber of Commerce, and the Livonia and Westland Chambers of Commerce. Participants explored best practices in areas such as corporate governance, university-industry partnerships, job placement and internships, renewable energy, entrepreneurship, and skills alignment with labor market needs.
This visit marks the culmination of months of dedicated efforts by BCCI, which has been working to develop a strategic framework for developmental partnerships aimed at advancing the economic landscape of the governorate, reducing unemployment rates, and strengthening the role of local institutions in empowering youth and marginalized groups. Asala Al-Jarashi, Director of TVET & Projects Department at BCCI, emphasized that the visit was the result of collaborative planning between BCCI, the University of Michigan, and other partners. She described it as a valuable opportunity to enhance strategic partnerships and exchange knowledge, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to supporting youth and fostering sustainable economic development in the region. She further noted that the success of the visit reflected collective planning and a partnership rooted in trust and a shared vision, extending sincere thanks to the University of Michigan for their leadership—particularly to Ms. Barbara Beach, Ms. Jumana Judeh, and Ms. Nabeleh Ghareeb—for their exceptional support and efforts. She stressed that this visit is not the conclusion of collaboration, but rather the beginning of a deeper phase of strategic partnership.
BCCI extends its deepest gratitude to all institutions and partners who contributed to the success of this visit, affirming its ongoing commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic development in the governorate and across Palestine. This reflects the Chamber’s belief in its central role as a driver of change—working continuously for the benefit of the youth, for Bethlehem, and for Palestine