Al-Tayf Dairy and Food Products Company (Candia) sponsored a workshop organized by the Palestinian Society for Consumer Protection under the title "Ways to Promote Palestinian Products," held in celebration of Palestinian Products Day, which occurs on November 1 each year at the Carmel Hotel. The event was attended by Minister of Industry Arafat Asfour, the representative of the Palestinian General Federation of Industries Mr. Bassam Walweel, the President of the Palestinian Society for Consumer Protection Mr. Salah Haniya, General Director of the Standards and Metrology Institute Mr. Haidar Hajjah, the Mayor of Beituniya, and members of the municipal council, in addition to participation from the Education Directorate in Ramallah and Al-Bireh, An-Najah National University, the Mass Institute, women's associations, and youth clubs.

Several Palestinian companies participated in showcasing their products, including Friendship Cleaning Products Company, Al-Bariq Cleaning Products Company, the Middle East Cleaning Products Company, Rima Paper Industries Company, Izhiman Coffee, and the Beit Amwas Cooperative Association, in addition to Al-Tayf Dairy and Food Products Company.

The workshop addressed the advancement of local products as the first and second choice for consumers, affirming their rightful place in government tenders and purchases, as well as in construction and contracting. The role of schools as incubators for supporting Palestinian products was also discussed.

Minister of Industry Arafat Asfour emphasized the importance of collective efforts to support local production and enhance its competitiveness, noting that developing Palestinian products extends beyond production to improving quality standards and adhering to best industrial practices in Palestinian factories. Asfour added, "Our duty as the Ministry of Industry is to work for the support and elevation of the national product, and we will make decisions to support this, the most important of which is mandating that the national product constitutes at least 15%. We are currently working on new projects to support industry in various areas in Palestine."

Mr. Bassam Walaweel, representative of the Palestinian General Federation of Industries, expressed his gratitude to the Consumer Protection Association for its efforts to support and protect national products and for its commitment to reviving such events. He affirmed that these initiatives represent a fundamental pillar in building a strong and sustainable economy that meets the needs of the Palestinian people and strengthens their ability to face challenges. Walweel pointed out that promoting national products in the Palestinian market is a responsibility shared by the private sector, civil society, the Consumer Protection Association, and the government, which must develop products, provide competitive pricing, and continuously promote local production. He stated, "We will work on developing strategies that ensure support for local production and improve the quality of national products in Palestinian factories."

For his part, Mr. Imad Al-Hindi, General Manager of Al-Tayf Dairy and Food Products (Candia), stated, "We take pride in being present and sponsoring this special day, 'Palestinian Products Day,' as we believe in the ability of Palestinian products to achieve significant success in Palestinian, Arab, and international markets. This drives us to continuously support such events that enhance the status of the Palestinian product." Al-Hindi emphasized that the products of Al-Tayf are not just food items but a symbol of quality in the national industry, committed to the highest standards of local and global health and safety, thereby enhancing consumer trust in domestic products. He added, "Our vision goes beyond simply supporting the market; we aim to empower our community and enhance its economic independence, with a focus on a future where our needs are met by our own hands and according to global standards, leading to a strong Palestinian economy."

Mr. Salah Haniya, President of the Palestinian Society for Consumer Protection, stated, "In light of the complex situation faced by our Palestinian people, Palestinian Products Day aims to enhance the market share of national products and develop economic sectors." He added, "According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 85,000 establishments have ceased production or reduced their output, resulting in losses exceeding $8 billion. This reality necessitates that we all—government, people, and institutions—enhance the culture of local consumption and support Palestinian products, as this has a positive impact on reducing unemployment and strengthening the national economy." Haniya affirmed, "What is needed now is to transform consumer culture to fill their baskets with Palestinian products, and imported goods through known agents for items not produced locally, by reinforcing the concept of supporting national products and emphasizing that everything produced in Palestine is Palestinian." He expressed gratitude to Al-Tayf Dairy and Food Products (Candia) for its ongoing support and commitment to sponsoring various activities that contribute to promoting national products, noting that this partnership represents a model for collaboration between the private sector and local associations to support the national economy.

The participating school principals presented their vision on their role in supporting Palestinian products, including Ms. Ilham Al-Fasfous, Principal of Ramallah Mixed Elementary School, Heba Rabi, Principal of Faisal Al-Husseini Girls' School, and Sundus Abu Khaled, Principal of Al-Huriya School in Beituniya, sharing their experiences in promoting Palestinian products.

In a separate session, Mr. Haidar Hajjah, General Director of the Standards and Metrology Institute, gave a detailed presentation on Palestinian specifications, while Dr. Raafat Al-Jalad, Dean of the Faculty of Administrative and Financial Sciences at An-Najah National University, presented on the importance of having a long-term vision not necessarily tied to the government's term, as it serves as an incentive to enhance the competitiveness of Palestinian products. Ms. Wafa Al-Baytawi, a researcher at the Mass Institute, discussed the level of government institutions and private sector establishments, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to gain recognition from more countries for the Palestinian quality certification to increase acceptance of Palestinian food products in foreign markets, which will contribute to expanding exports. In the same context, she encouraged more food factories to implement the (ISO 22000) standard for food safety, similar to many local producers who have adopted this standard, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Palestinian products in both local and foreign markets.