USAID/Compete Quarterly Report, April 1 – June 30, 2015

The project's focus on addressing systemic market failures has led to increased exports and jobs, particularly targeting women and youth in various sectors. The second quarter of the fourth year demonstrated continued economic growth, and the third quarter reported here has continued to prove successful. In the agribusiness sector, USAID/Compete supported the National Carton Company in achieving compliance with ISO 9001 certification schemes. The company passed the external audit in March and became ISO 9001 certified in June. Additionally, the project supported the development of the Abraham Path, a long-distance walking trail stretching across the Middle East, as a tourist destination in the West Bank. Compete completed all activities related to the development of the Abraham Path and conducted two homestay hospitality and food catering trainings in Hebron and Jericho, which 48 women attended. In the ICT sector, a consultant gathered data for an export market assessment and conducted a workshop to promote successful business development practices. The finalized export market assessment report and ten individual company assessments were completed in May, identifying weaknesses in mid-level management, international business knowledge, and commoditization. Compete is working on designing a program to develop these needs. The project has also supported creative new products designed by women in the stone and marble sector. At the Middle East Trade Show held in Dubai in May, two Palestinian companies out of 230 companies from 22 countries were recognized for their stone products. The project's firm-level technical assistance program provides targeted support to individual companies that have applied and committed to working in partnership with USAID/Compete to strengthen and develop their company.