USAID Compete Project Monthly Progress Report, October 1 – 31, 2016

The project focuses on key sectors essential to the future prosperity of the Gazan economy, including agribusiness, fishing, ICT, furniture, textile and garment, and domestic tourism. In the West Bank, the program is a continuation of previous years' activities in selected value chains, with a focus on concluding development objectives. Strawberry production in the West Bank is being scaled up through the replication of demonstration farm models developed by the Compete Project. The project has provided new technologies using hanging and computerized irrigation systems, resulting in an earlier harvest season starting in October. This has led to better prices for participating farmers, with strawberry prices reaching 50 shekels per kilo, twice the normal market price. The grapes program has received 691 applications from interested farmers and companies, representing around 2500 dunums of planted vineyards. Two agronomists were contracted to complete the capacity building program and follow up on the progress of the program. During the month of October, 344 dunums of land were provided with "T" hanging systems, benefiting 118 farmers, and 6 dunums with "Y" systems were installed, benefiting 2 farmers. In the ICT sector, preparation is underway for SAP Big Data training, set to take place in Amman, Jordan next month. The training will introduce Palestinian and Jordanian startups on Big Data technology and SAP's platform named HANA. Startups will be able to use this application to meet the needs of larger clients who require Big Data solutions, or create applications that SAP will market to their clientele of more than 350,000 users. A workshop was held in Ramallah to introduce startups and prepare for the training. An agreement has been signed with National Instruments, a cross-cutting activity with the ICT sector. This agreement will facilitate the development of the stone and marble industry in the West Bank, with a focus on improving the quality and competitiveness of products. The agreement will also provide training and capacity building for industry stakeholders. The Compete Project has made significant progress in the West Bank, with a focus on building the production capacity of firms to grow locally and expand regionally and internationally. The project has identified key market failures that will open the horizon for new value chains, with sectors targeted in Year 6 including agriculture, ICT/technology, stone and marble, and tourism. The project's progress will continue to be monitored and evaluated to ensure that it meets its objectives and contributes to the development of the Palestinian private sector.