CLDP Chief Counsel Stephen Gardner and Attorney Advisor Mais Abousy travelled to Jerusalem and Ramallah on April 24-27 to begin implementation of CLDP’s new program with the Palestinian Authority. The initial areas identified under the interagency agreement with the State Department call for work on competition and intellectual property. CLDP also expects to sign another agreement soon that will cover franchising. With excellent support from the US Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consulate General in Jerusalem, CLDP met with senior government officials and private sector leaders to begin designing programs that will improve economic conditions and support a better business environment in the West Bank. Minister of National Economy Odeh and Attorney General Barak both showed enthusiasm about working with CLDP, and said they would welcome CLDP experts to build capacity, help refine legislative drafts and enhance the regulations to implement various laws.