The key to our success is Palestinian leadership and technical expertise supported by the global talent, state-of-the-art management systems, and financial resources of the DAI organization. Deeply rooted in the Palestinian Territories, our in-country staff understand the complex historical and political terrain through which they must navigate, so they avoid the pitfalls that bedevil less knowledgeable and experienced firms. We also understand the centrality of economic development to improving Palestinian livelihoods, alleviating poverty, and setting the stage for broader social and political progress. Most important, we have established strong bonds of trust and respect with all of the actors critical to the execution of development projects. We have done this by providing innovative yet practical solutions backed by the kind of professional and responsive project management needed to meet the unique political and economic challenges of the Palestinian context.

Today, DAI Palestine has 60 employees and provides an important project management and marketing platform for DAI in the Middle East. We have taken on a new generation of project work, challenging Palestinians to take development into their own hands. DAI remains committed to the notion that in a professionally managed and sensitively executed development context, the West Bank and Gaza offer fertile ground for economic growth and promising terrain for careful investment - both domestic and international. We have upheld that commitment in our own company and our projects continuously for almost 15 years. It is on this foundation that we look forward to vigorous engagement with the Palestinian people in the years to come.

Currently, DAI Palestine manages the following projects:

PALESTINIAN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (PED)
Stimulating economic growth, improving employment opportunities, increasing access to markets, and expanding Palestinian exports
Although much progress has been achieved in economic growth issues in the past decade, more work is required to strengthen democratic and market economy institutions and thereby maintain positive momentum in the private sector and in key economic ministries so that the Palestinian economy can compete in the global market. PED leverages USAID's investments by generating bottom-line results for Palestinian businesses in promising growth industry clusters, and by promoting growth of the overall economy by improving the business environment. PED supports a competitive private sector, which in turn invests in a transparent, rules-based business environment for the benefit of all Palestinian society. PED helps drive reform to stimulate investment, exports, and employment for Palestinians and ensure their inclusion in the global economy. PED has unique potential to help build a lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis. By creating new jobs, raising living standards, and equipping local businesses to compete in the global economy, PED will give Palestinians everywhere a new sense of hope.

PALESTINIAN FACILITY FOR NEW MARKET DEVELOPMENT (FNMD)
Financing non-capital expenditure to promote local economic growth and market entry
FNMD is a private sector development initiative funded by DFID and the World Bank under which DAI will serve as a venture capitalist, providing matching funds to help Palestinian businesses diversify their product range and enter new markets locally and internationally. The three-year project will provide Palestinian businesses with the capital required to invest in needed knowledge and skills. By sharing risk with the private sector, FNMD will stimulate economic growth and thus increase Palestinians' economic stake in the peace process. DAI will also ensure that the FNMD captures and distills results detailing the effects of movement and access restrictions on Palestinian businesses. This information will support policy dialogue and serve as a policy resource for the U.K. Government.

PALESTINE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY INCUBATOR (PICTI)
Developing domestic capacity to deliver financial and business development services
One consequence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that is sometimes overlooked is its effect on the economy and economic opportunities for Palestinians. Yet, the expansion of economic opportunity can be viewed as one avenue for easing the crisis in the region. To this end, DAI supports PICTI, a for-profit, sustainable institution that is owned and managed by Palestinian professionals and serves Palestinian companies. The incubator relies on local consultants to deliver services to support the nascent Palestinian consulting and financial services industry. A business development unit provides business development services and mentors to emerging firms. The incubator continuously tests the market for new ideas and entrepreneurs. In addition, it builds public recognition, acceptance, understanding of, and support for the role information technology will play in the growth of the Palestinian economy.

WEST BANK AND GAZA STRENGTHENING THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS (BAYAN)
Working to create a stable system of self-governance
The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) must establish its credibility as an effective governing institution, which in turn demands expanded internal capacity of the PLC and the broader legislative community. Starting with the design of a New Member Orientation program, DAI built the capacity of the PLC's Training and Development Unit to create a sustainable mechanism for continued training. After the 2006 legislative elections, the project changed focus, and now works with leading Palestinian civil society organizations to improve legislative oversight and information analysis, and strengthen dissemination and advocacy campaigns.