The Palestinian Standards and Metrology Organization (PSMO) grants six workshops Palestinian Quality Charter certificates for handicraft industries .

Ramallah, 23/2/2022

Today, Wednesday, the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Institution awarded six artisanal workshops the Palestinian Quality Charter Certificates. The ceremony was held under the patronage and presence of the Minister of National Economy and Chairman of the Board of the Standards Institution, Mr. Khaled Al-Esseily. It was also attended by the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Dr. Amal Hamad, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Federation of Industries Mr. Nour Al-Din Jaradat, and representatives from the Government of Canada and CARE International.

The awarding of these certificates is part of the “IBADER” Project ("Entrepreneurs from Women and Youth Leading Change"), which is implemented by CARE International in collaboration with the Ministry of National Economy and funded by the Government of Canada. The workshops were granted the certificates after fulfilling all requirements, including compliance with technical specifications and commitment to the regulations and guidelines related to the charter.

The Chairman of the Institution presented the Quality Charter Certificates to the qualifying companies after they completed all the necessary steps, passed product tests according to technical standards, and complied with the relevant instructions and systems.

The companies and workshops that received the Charter Certificate at this stage are:

• Ms. Mervat Fuad Jaqman – Decorative Glass Making

• Ms. Layali Hafeez Rashmawi – Embroidery Craft

• Al-Tariq Company – Pottery Production

• Tamimi Ceramics Company – Ceramic Manufacturing

• Reema Handmade Accessories – Jewelry Accessories

• Nadia Jewelry & Silver Company – in the process of obtaining certification

Minister Al-Esseily expressed his pleasure with the successful path the institution is taking to improve its services and protect traditional handmade industries from imitation and forgery. He emphasized that these crafts occupy a distinguished place as they reflect the history, cultural, and civilizational heritage of the Palestinian people. Traditional crafts have undergone significant development over past decades, closely tied to the prevailing economic, social, and political conditions.

Dr. Amal Hamad stressed the national responsibility to preserve Palestinian heritage, which the occupation attempts to steal and erase. She highlighted that economic empowerment is the gateway to political and social empowerment, and the ministry focuses on three dimensions: social, cultural, and political — all while considering the challenges imposed by the occupation and its expanding violations.

Dr. Hamad added that the Charter aims to protect and distinguish Palestinian traditional handcrafted products, especially women-led ones. It offers a real opportunity to promote and market these products, empowering women economically and helping them reach broader markets through networking with marketing companies.

Mr. Haider Hjaija, Director General of the Standards Institution, stated that a specialized committee has finalized six standards so far: for pottery, ceramics, embroidery, handmade silver, accessories, and glass. Work is ongoing on the remaining eleven standards in cooperation with the Union of Traditional and Tourist Industries and all relevant partners.

He added that the institution works to protect Palestinian traditional crafts from imitation or forgery by labeling products with the Quality Charter Seal, which is part of the effort to advance this vital industry as an essential part of Palestinian identity and heritage.

This Charter is the first of its kind in the Arab world, and it includes 17 officially registered crafts under the Union of Traditional Industries. The Charter was prepared by a specialized technical committee with the support of experts and partners.

Mr. Wael Ibrahim, Director General of CARE International, considered the launch of the Quality Charter for traditional handcrafted products a strategic activity under CARE’s long-term development programs in Palestine. These programs include the economic empowerment of women and youth, especially marginalized women and communities, to ensure rights for all.

Catherine Palmier, Director of the Cooperation Program at the Representative Office of Canada, emphasized the importance of women's participation and economic integration to achieve economic development.

Mr. Nour Al-Din Jaradat, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Federation of Industries, stated that the development of this charter marks another milestone in the overall progress of the industrial sector — especially the traditional handicraft sector. This sector has seen significant decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is a key part of the tourism sector, which was heavily impacted both locally and globally.

He stressed that the Charter is crucial in creating practical plans for implementation to yield positive results for the handicraft industry. This industry also suffers from the influx of counterfeit imported products carrying misleading names, with no connection to authentic Holy Land products.

Therefore, he called on all stakeholders to work jointly to combat these counterfeit products to protect national products that have reached dozens of global markets with their religious, Islamic, Christian, and heritage-based offerings.

At the end of the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board and Minister of National Economy extended sincere thanks to all supporters, partners, and members of the committee responsible for developing the Charter. He also urged company owners to adhere to standards that ensure quality, improve product excellence, and boost competitiveness in both local and international markets.