The Trade Facilitation and Customs Support Program "Tasdeer" Launches the Export Challenge Fund

SadaNews Economy - The Trade Facilitation and Customs Support Program "Tasdeer", in collaboration with the Palestinian Industries Union, launches the Export Challenge Fund, an incentive program based on performance aimed at supporting Palestinian exporters in increasing their exports to foreign markets, excluding the territories of 1948. The fund also aims to reduce reliance on traditional markets, minimize investment risks, and enhance sustainable economic resilience in the Palestinian private sector.

Program Budget and Design

The Tasdeer program allocates a total budget of up to $1,000,000, which will be disbursed through cash grants to exporters who achieve up to $1,000,000 in additional exports by June 2026. This allocated budget is subject to the availability of funding from the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and may be reduced or increased based on the donor's instructions.

Additional exports are calculated as exports to countries other than Israel that exceed the average exports of 2023 and 2024 (baseline), registered during one of two periods: from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, or from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Participants must choose one of these two periods for their reporting. Both the Palestinian Industries Union and the Tasdeer Program will track and verify these exports within the specified period.

Participants who meet all the terms and conditions of the Challenge Fund Program can receive up to 10% of the value of additional exports (i.e., the value exceeding the baseline), with a maximum of $100,000 per company, according to the principle of "Priority to Participate in the Challenge Fund" and the availability of funding.

Target Group

Registered and exporting industrial companies and agricultural business companies, which can provide documented evidence of their export values and quantities for the years 2023 and 2024.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Eligible companies must meet the following conditions:

Be registered with the Ministry of National Economy or the Ministry of Industry as an industrial establishment.

Be registered and engaged in exporting activity for not less than two years.

Be able to provide documented export data for the baseline period (years 2023 and 2024), along with audited financial reports.

Be in good legal standing regarding income tax and value-added tax (VAT).

Have the financial solvency and willingness to commit to a results-based program by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI).

Pass the due diligence assessment, verification, and compliance approved by the Tasdeer Program.

Ineligible Companies:

Beneficiaries who have obtained or are in the process of obtaining financial support through any other grants from the Tasdeer program.

Companies engaged in the production or manufacturing or storage of tobacco.

Companies involved in the production of alcohol, wine, or spirits.

Real estate or real estate development companies.

Trading and re-exporting companies.

Information Technology (IT) companies.

For more on how the program works, click here