Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute - December 31, 2009 - Back to Resources Page

---

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are attracting growing
interest since they constitute 99% of the enterprises operating in Palestine
as well as for their significant role in the local economy. However,
MSMEs are facing challenges and difficulties such as their limited
capacity to meet the requirements of the standards imposed by the
governmental licensing and inspection agencies as well as those favored
by the consumer to enhance confidence and desire in the products of these
enterprises. In addition, the MSMEs need to enhance their competitive
capacity in local and international markets by means of decreasing the
costs of production and improving the quality of the product whether it is a
commodity, service, or a process.

This study aims to identify and clarify the important role of standards in
the development of MSMEs and in increasing their productivity and thus
increasing competitiveness and attracting new markets locally and abroad.
The study examines the validity of the hypothesis that the application of
standards by MSMEs helps to raise the productive and competitive
capacity as well as the ability to attract and open new markets locally and
internationally.

To achieve the goals of this study, a review of the existing literature
related to the subject matter has been conducted. The review covers the
theoretical definition of standards, the reasons behind their inception, the
mechanisms and stages of identifying the specifications as well as their
subdivisions and importance to various parties. International trade
agreements and the Paris Economic Protocol are also reviewed to explore
how they affect standards and mandatory technical regulations in the
Palestinian Territories. The study also reviews the structure and role of the
Palestine Standards Institution in regulating and supporting the Palestinian
MSMEs.

In order to gain a better understanding of the role of standards, and the
perception of the Palestinian business community of standards, a detailed
survey was conducted. The survey provides information regarding the
awareness of Palestinian enterprises of the importance of standards and the
impact of standard application on the costs of production and in enhancing
the competitiveness of these enterprises as well as exploring the obstacles
that impede the application of standards.

To download the full report please click below:

Attachment	Size
MSMEs product standard.pdf	114.56 KB

---

Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute - December 31, 2009 - Back to Resources Page