The sample consisted of 401 formal sector enterprises. 52% of establishments were from the West Bank, 43% from Gaza, and 5% of businesses from East Jerusalem.
The sample frame was from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics data base and consisted of enterprises in the manufacturing sector, construction, transport, and selected service sectors with more than five employees. Retail establishments, restaurants and informal firms were not covered. Agriculture also was not surveyed. 81% of companies were from manufacturing sector, 12% - from services sector, and 7% comprised construction and transport sector. Within the selected sectors, individual sectors were drawn in proportion to their representation in the frame.
Most Palestinian enterprises have less than five workers. Consequently, this survey cannot be considered representative of the Palestinian economy as a whole. However, no detailed survey can effectively cover every sector. This survey was aimed at understanding the issues related to formal enterprises in productive sectors that have the potential for growth and exports. While agriculture, retail and informal enterprises are all important sectors of the economy, the survey instrument was not suitable for them. Thus, the survey results should be carefully interpreted. They provide comprehensive information but are representative only of the sectors covered.
