May was a busy month for many FNMD client companies. Several companies launched new services and products in the local market.

ICAN, a start up company managed by Mrs Hanan Wazir, rolled launched a customer loyalty card that provides great benefits to shoppers in the West Bank. For a small annual subscription fee of NIS 50, consumers can get immediate discounts ranging from 5 to 30% at many local restaurants, coffee shops, gyms and shops. So far, over 300 people have signed up to get their ICAN Discount Card. The marketing campaign will continue throughout the summer.

On May 20, 2009, Mr Mohammad Younes, General Manager of TDM, presented new, innovative online learning and videoconferencing systems at the Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah. Also present at the product launch event were Mr Sabri Saydam, Presidential Advisor for Telecommunications and IT Affairs; Mr Ala’ Ala’ Aldin, Chairman of PITA and Mr Lee Tsedel, Expert and Associate Professor at Minnesota University, USA.

TDM, a company based in Nablus, has invested a large amount of time and money to develop the two new solutions that will bring substantial benefits to students and companies. The “InTouch! Virtual Class” lets students participate in higher learning, from remote locations. “InTouch! Video-Conference” is an exceptional online solution that works even on low bandwidth and allows for online meetings with anyone, anytime.

SuperNimer has recently been awarded an international product quality certificate to validate the fire resistance of its security doors. The company celebrated this achievement on June 1, 2009 at the Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah together with over 150 local engineers and real estate developers. FNMD Team Leader Denis Dunn presented the “Certifire” certificate on behalf of the testing body, Warrington UK and also participated in a panel discussion together with the Mr Nasser Tahbub, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Dr Hazan Al Shunnar, General Manager of the Association of Palestinian Measures, as well as Mr Salah Haneyyeh, Coordinator of Economic Affairs. 

FNMD is a 3-year, ₤3.6 million grants project funded by DFID with contributions from the World Bank that helps Palestinian companies enter new markets and develop new products. So far, 176 companies from West Bank and Gaza have been accepted for FNMD co-financing for a range of marketing and product development projects.