Improving Trade Facilitation and Customs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Tasdeer (Trade Facilitation and Customs Support in the Occupied Palestinian Territories) is a £15 million programme, designed by the UK’s FCDO and implemented by a consortium of organizations under the leadership of Cowater International, to facilitate and develop more trade from the Occupied Palestinian Territories over the next 3 years. Tasdeer’s overall goal is to facilitate reaching an inclusive and viable export-led growth from the OPTs: Growth will be more inclusive as Palestinian firms and individuals—especially youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)—have improved investment and income generating opportunities. Growth will be viable when the PA’s customs capacity and revenue collection from trade related taxes improves, such that it can collect and invest in an improved business enabling environment. The aim is to contribute to these changes by catalysing shifts in: the dynamics and rules that govern cross-border trading—to make it quicker and cheaper. the communications between the public and private sector the innovation of Palestinian firms for increased export value the administrative control of trade related tax functions from Israel to the PA. The programme is organised around four interrelated workstreams to facilitate the systemic changes sought: Support to expedite the movement of goods and reduce transaction costs Support to improve Palestinian trade related institutions and business enabling environment Support to improve the private sector’s skills and innovation to export and create jobs Support to improve PA’s customs readiness to assume functions from Israel and revenues from trade-related taxes.