The survey was conducted in the West Bank and Gaza between July and August 2006. Data from 401 establishments were analyzed. Researchers collected data on the investment climate and enterprise performance at the establishment level. The study was a standard World Bank product, which allowed direct comparison with other countries in the region and around the world. But it also contained questions specific to the West Bank and Gaza experience. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) conducted the survey in face-to-face interviews after training by World Bank staff. This survey was aimed at understanding the issues related to formal enterprises in manufacturing/services/construction and transport sectors that have the potential for growth and exports. Most of the data and answers relate to fiscal year 2005, before the tight closure of Gaza in January of 2006 and the cut off of foreign aid to the Palestinian Authority, which began in March 2006. Since then the economy deteriorated. However, the survey still captured the essential nature and issues of the Palestinian private sector.
