Bayt Mal Al-Quds Acharif Agency, the executive arm of the Al-Quds Committee chaired by King Mohammed VI, presented its "Made for Palestine" initiative at the 42nd ministerial session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul. The initiative aims to mobilize businesses, commercial brands, cooperatives, and artisans in the Islamic world and beyond to support the local economy.
The "Made for Palestine" initiative will follow two tracks. The first track will cover products featuring Palestinian-inspired designs and symbols, which must receive specific approval before entering the market. The second track will allow commercial brands to allocate an agreed portion of their sales revenue to the agency's programs. A digital platform will manage participation requests, display approved brands and products, and help consumers verify the label through a license number and QR code.
Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, the agency's director in charge of management, presented the initiative during meetings with heads of several delegations attending the session. Cherkaoui said the agency had placed its current action plan for Al-Quds under the theme of "Revitalizing the Palestinian economy in Al-Quds as a driver of development and social stability." The agency plans to launch the initiative after adopting its Vision 2030 and 2027-2030 action program.
The agency's economic and commercial programs support local merchants, Palestinian startups, vocational and artisanal skills, and young entrepreneurs. In 2025 and 2026, the agency's startup incubator supported 34 companies across six cohorts. Eight received acceleration support, while three expanded their commercial activities into Italy and the United Arab Emirates.
In April, the agency supported six Palestinian startups at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, where they presented their products and services, met investors and partners, and explored cooperation and access to regional and international markets. This support aims to strengthen the commercial skills of Palestinian merchants and help them manage their businesses and market relations.
The agency also held four import and export training sessions for around 100 merchants in Al-Quds in July. Additionally, a Moroccan crafts training program was conducted for 38 Palestinian trainees, supervised by three Moroccan artisans. The program covered weaving, wood carving, and copper and silver work, with the aim of transferring traditional skills, preserving artisanal heritage, and strengthening participants' professional abilities.
The two-day COMCEC session examines global economic developments and conditions in OIC member states. Participants also discuss sustainable and competitive tourism, agricultural productivity, food security, poverty reduction, and digital cooperation. The session provides a platform for member states to share experiences and best practices in addressing common economic challenges.
Key points
- Bayt Mal Al-Quds Acharif Agency launches "Made for Palestine" initiative to support local economy.
- The initiative aims to mobilize businesses and commercial brands to support Palestinian economy.
- The agency supported 34 Palestinian startups through its incubator program in 2025 and 2026.
