CHAMBER HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

Efforts to establish a chamber of commerce in Bethlehem began during the British mandate. During the Jordanian Rule and on March 30, 1952 a Preliminary committee was formed to set the laws and regulations for the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce in Bethlehem.

On April, 6 1952 the preliminary committee called for a meeting where in the first Council for the chamber was elected by the merchants and traders of the three towns, Bethlehem, Beit Jala, and Beit Sahour.

Several elections followed and took place on August 25, 1975 , August 27, 1961 and on August 30, 1965.

The Chamber during Israeli Occupation:
The responsibility for the elected members of the chamber during the occupation was limited, being confined to the collection of membership fees and follow up members’ requests and problems and to certain specific transactions and formalities.

In 1971 the Chairman of the Council resigned and the late Mayor Mr. Elias Freij was elected as Chairman, a position which he accepted in addition to the responsibilities of his office as Mayor of Bethlehem.

The Chamber during the Palestinian Authority:
In October 1998 the Minister of Trade and Economics in the Palestinian Authority nominated a new council and approved the appointment of Mr. Munther Bandak as Chairman. The council consists of twelve members five of whom are new members. In October 1999 the Minister of Trade and Economics appointed a new council of ten new members chaired by Dr. Sameer Hazboun.