Weekly Progress Report Aug 26-30, 2012

The project focuses on the agricultural, tourism, and ICT sectors, with the goal of increasing productivity, improving quality, and enhancing the export potential of Palestinian products and services. In the olive and olive oil sector, Compete is introducing new production technology through lead farmers, with the expected result of a 250% increase in oil production over traditional practices. The rollout is expected to take place across 60 sites in the West Bank, with the assistance of Mr. Fares Al Jabi, an agribusiness specialist with over 35 years of experience in the olive sector. In the fresh herbs sector, Compete has facilitated the creation of a Palestinian Fresh Herbs private non-profit company, comprising 20 major industry stakeholders. The company will promote the benefits of a unified voice to satisfy international market requirements and standards. Compete has organized several workshops with fresh herbs stakeholders to determine the best legal identity benefiting all members. The Compete project has also made significant progress in the tourism sector. The first official meeting of the Palestinian Hotel Classification Joint Committee took place in Ramallah, following the official establishment of the committee by the Ministry of Tourism. The committee has approved the general terms of reference and has named the General Director of the Tourism Professions Department at MOTA and the AHA Director as chairperson and secretary, respectively. In addition, the Compete project has made progress in the ICT sector. The HI-TECH HUB event has been designed as a monthly gathering of developers, web designers, entrepreneurs, students, academics, investors, and others interested in contributing to a more vibrant start-up community in the West Bank. Compete has established a steering committee of key IT stakeholders, including PICTI and University Excellence Centers, to plan and organize future HI-TECH HUB events. The Compete project has also made progress in the site renovation and rehabilitation sector. The Site Renovation Taskforce has discussed quick impact interventions for five selected sites, including Bethany, Birqin Church, Hisham's Palace, Sabastiya, and Taybeh Town. The taskforce is finalizing the SOWs and RFPs for the five sites and planning community involvements to ensure a long-term, sustainable approach to site renovation and rehabilitation. Overall, the Compete project has made significant progress in strengthening the competitiveness and export potential of key sectors essential to the future prosperity of the Palestinian economy. The project's focus on increasing productivity, improving quality, and enhancing the export potential of Palestinian products and services is expected to have a positive impact on the Palestinian economy.