Workshop in Cooperation with the "Tasjeer" (Export) Program to Present Laboratory Assessment Results to Donor Organizations
Ramallah – Workshop Held in Cooperation with the "Tasjeer" (Export) Program to Present Laboratory Assessment Results to Donor Organizations
30/03/2022
The Palestinian Standards and Metrology Institution (PSMI) held a workshop to present the results of a study assessing Palestinian laboratories and the services provided by the institution, evaluating their alignment with the needs of the private sector and target export markets. The workshop also aimed to identify the requirements necessary to upgrade existing laboratories or develop new ones to support Palestinian industry and enhance its competitiveness.
This study is part of a broader set of activities implemented by the Tasjeer Program, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), in cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Finance, and implemented by Cowater International. The program seeks to boost Palestinian exports, facilitate trade, improve private sector competitiveness, and build institutional capacity, all while promoting international and regional recognition of the institution’s services and incorporating gender inclusion and support for marginalized productive groups.
The workshop was attended by several donor organizations interested in supporting and developing laboratory services.
The event was opened by Eng. Haider Hajja, Director General of the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Institution, who provided an overview of the institution’s establishment, vision, and its role in representing Palestine in the international standards system. He elaborated on the nature of the institution’s work.
Hajja stated that the institution is currently implementing several activities in cooperation with the Tasjeer program, including identifying the private sector’s needs for testing laboratories. These may be operated by the institution itself, public or private sector entities, or Palestinian universities. He emphasized that the institution has succeeded in building a network of relationships with all existing laboratories to streamline conformity assessment procedures required for the certification process, thereby facilitating export for Palestinian producers.
He added that the workshop aims to present the findings of the study in order to continue developing laboratories that serve the widest range of sectors while minimizing testing costs for Palestinian producers. Based on the study results, the institution will design a development plan.
Hajja further noted that in the upcoming period, the institution will place strong emphasis on improving the efficiency of market surveillance, which it supports indirectly by strengthening the capacity of regulatory bodies and establishing a clear legislative framework for them to perform their oversight roles.
Mr. Nassim Nour, Team Leader of the Tasjeer program, presented the program's work areas. He explained that the program operates across four interconnected pillars:
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Facilitating the movement of goods and reducing trade costs,
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Supporting the enabling business environment through institutional development,
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Enhancing private sector skills to increase exports and job creation,
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Preparing the Palestinian Customs Administration to assume full responsibility from Israel, including tax collection on trade activities.
These efforts aim to contribute to inclusive economic growth through active private sector engagement.
Eng. Mohammad Al-Sayyed, a laboratory expert, presented the results of the laboratory assessment study conducted by the institution. He highlighted findings related to labs supporting exporting companies and other industrial sectors. He also outlined the key criteria used to determine laboratory needs, based on the priorities of the private sector and national export strategy.
The workshop concluded with a discussion of the study's findings and priorities, followed by a Q&A session with participants.