Success story

USAID’s Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Project (EDIP) recently sponsored ten stone and marble companies and two representatives from the TVET Center, as well as an up and coming stone and marble student, to participate in the Marmomacc Trade Fair in Verona, Italy.  Organized by EDIP with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Palestinian exhibition at Marmomacc was a noteworthy success recording over $6.0 million in sales with numerous leads pending. 

Marmomacc is the most renowned stone and marble trade show in Europe and perhaps the world.  EDIP, working closely with GLS Design based in the United Kingdom, created a contemporary exhibition space designed to highlight the unique qualities and appeal of the exhibiting Palestinian stone companies.  On-line features, advertisements, and a marketing booklet were also produced to promote the Palestinian exhibit. 

The stone and marble sector remains one of the West Bank’s leading commercial industries and is a critical component of the national economy.   Known for its quality, variety, and the uniqueness of its stone, Palestine currently yields 105 million tons of raw and 25 million tons of processed stone per year constituting 4% of the world production. Palestine possesses world renowned stone and demand continues to grow. 

EDIP focuses on how to build competitive advantage in Palestine with special emphasis on increasing value-added production and accessing new markets for stone and marble producers. Palestine’s participation at Marmomacc is part of sector efforts that included a working visit to the Marmotecc Trade Fair in Carrara, Italy in May.  

Exhibiting at Marmomacc is part of ongoing market-linkage activities implemented by EDIP.  EDIP follows a market-led strategy, connecting Palestinian firms with local and global markets, using the ensuing market feedback to identify constraints to competitiveness and expansion, and then targeting project resources to provide solutions.