BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Improved security in the West Bank is encouraging foreign investment, PA Economy Minister Jawad Naji says.

The Palestinian Authority is focusing on investment to promote economic development and is working to increase exports from the West Bank to expand production, Naji told Ma'an.

The PA is also developing a number of industrial areas in Jericho, Bethlehem and Jenin, he said.

President Mahmoud Abbas is personally encouraging regional and international businessmen to invest in Palestine in several sectors, and a Palestinian delegation will visit Russia to develop bilateral commercial ties, Naji added.

Abbas met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in Bethlehem.