Final Report: Trade Facilitation Project .

Through the Trade Facilitation Project (TFP), Chemonics assisted USAID’s West Bank/Gaza mission to support economic stability through interventions with the public and private sectors.

From June 2008 to August 2013, the principal objective of the USAID West Bank/Gaza Trade Facilitation Project was to facilitate the flow of goods and people in a manner that satisfied the principles and benchmarks of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access. At the start of the project, TFP focused on three key components, firstly, to improve border management efficiency to reduce trade costs for business and increase the capacity of the PA(Palestinian Authority) to effectively manage trade and enhance customs revenue. TFP was also aimed at supporting private sector entities, as well as conduct research and information sharing. Throughout the project, TFP maintained flexibility and strong communications with stakeholders and strengthened their relationships as well as relationships between PA and Israeli counterparts. The project’s achievements occurred despite major challenges, including two Israeli/Gaza conflicts, two Israeli elections, and severe financial constraints and public sector strikes in the PA.