IDB promotes connectivity for sustainable development

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group recently organized an event on “Promoting Connectivity for Sustainable Development,” on the sidelines of World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Aid for Trade Global Review 2017 in Geneva.
The event was chaired by Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), on behalf of the chairman of the IDB Group.
Aja Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, vice president, The Gambia, delivered the keynote speech.
The event provided an in-depth analysis of the IDB Group’s strategic objectives in financing infrastructure investment for enhancing connectivity, regional integration and trade development.
During the event, the IDB Group launched its report on “Promoting Connectivity for Sustainable Development,” which highlights the group’s support for development of productive capacities in member countries and its assistance to overcome supply side constraints. The report also highlights the main achievements of Aid for Trade activities in member countries.
The event was an opportunity to bring together experts and partners to share experiences and exchange ideas on ways to overcome the key obstacles that hinder the growth and connectivity among member countries.
Saleh bin Eid Al-Hussaini, ambassador, permanent representative to the WTO, Saudi Arabia, and Amr Ramadan, ambassador, permanent representative to the WTO, Egypt, were the key speakers in the opening session.
There were also presentations by Torbj?rn Fredriksson, chief of ICT Analysis, Technology and Logistics, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; Nicolas Gresser, director of regulatory affairs, Etisalat Group; Syed Habib Ahmed, adviser to the ITFC CEO; Ahmed Al-Qabany, senior transport and urban development specialist, IDB; and Elmostafa Aitamor, senior cooperation specialist at IDB.
ITFC CEO Sonbol said: “The IDB Group adopted a 10-year strategy (2016-2025) ... one of its objectives is ‘Connectivity for Growth.’”
He said the aim is to promote cooperation among the member countries to enhance trade, investment, knowledge, and capacity development.” Sonbol added: “I believe that trade is not only an engine of development but it is the cornerstone of future prosperity and livelihood across our member countries.”
The Gambia Vice President Tambajang said: “I appreciate the renewed commitment of the IDB Group for building capacities to address the barriers of trade, because promoting connectivity allows fruitful cooperation among key parties.”

Source: Arab News