Arab League economic council commends Saudi program's role in Yemen development

The Economic and Social Council of the Arab League has praised the contribution of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen in strengthening institutional and human capacities in Yemen. The recognition came during the council’s 118th regular ministerial session, held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, with thanks extended to the program for its supervision and follow-up of the Industrial and Commercial Institute project in Aden governorate.

The council called on specialized Arab organizations and Arab financial institutions to help provide the technical and operational support needed to run the institute, and to enhance its role in training government and private sector personnel, thereby boosting intra-Arab trade and developing Yemeni exports.

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen’s contribution is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to support Yemeni institutions and strengthen their capacities, helping to promote stability, economic recovery, and sustainable development in Yemen.

The establishment of the Industrial and Commercial Institute is funded by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and Yemen’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, with oversight and follow-up by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. The project is part of the second phase of the Aid for Trade Initiative for Arab States, known as "AFTIAS 2.0".

The institute, which is affiliated with Yemen’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, aims to build the capacities of ministry staff, local producers, and exporters through training, workshops, and technical assistance. It also seeks to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and economic project creation, thereby stimulating commercial activity and promoting Yemeni exports.

The institute is also expected to provide support services tailored to the needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as trade and industry unions and associations of exporters and producers. It will serve as a reference for economic studies and consultancy, helping to set priorities, support decision-making, and implement Yemen’s industrial and commercial development strategy.

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen enhances the impact of its development efforts through partnerships with local, regional, international, and UN organizations, including the European Union, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), UN-Habitat, the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND), and Alwaleed Philanthropies. These partnerships support the integration of efforts and the exchange of expertise to advance development in Yemen.

Since its establishment, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen has implemented 300 development projects and initiatives across eight vital sectors: education, health, energy, water, transport, agriculture and fisheries, development programs, and capacity building for the Yemeni government. Millions of Yemenis have benefited from these projects, which have facilitated mobility between cities and governorates, expanded educational opportunities, strengthened universities and technical institutes, improved the quality and effectiveness of healthcare, supported sustainable agricultural production, empowered women and youth economically, and enhanced community participation.