International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, has partnered with International Labour Organization (ILO) for the implementation of the second phase of “Strengthening Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification” (STED) in Eygpt, under the Aid for Trade Initiative for Arab States (AfTIAS) program.
The partnership agreement was signed by Nasser Al-Thekair, general manager of trade & business development, on behalf of Hani Salem Sonbol, chief executive of ITFC, and Christophe Perrin, deputy director general for operations and partnership, ILO.
The signing took place during the closing session of the “Youth and Employment in North Africa” conference on the sidelines of the WTO Public Forum 2017 in Geneva.
The two organizations partnered together in 2015 for the implementation of the first phase in Tunisia and Egypt. The new agreement builds on the success of the first phase and meets Egypt’s request to support capacity building of the newly established Food Safety Authority, in particular its training function, and to upgrade training curricula for the furniture sector.
Al-Thekair said: “I am pleased with our successful partnership with ILO to work on such important programs like STED.”
“ITFC believes that providing trade support that contributes to expanding employment opportunities, especially for young people, is at the core of our developmental mandate. We will work together with ILO to help close skill gaps and increase opportunities for trade and economic diversification in Egypt,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that in Egypt, two export sectors have benefited from the STED analysis in 2014, namely the wood & furniture sector and the food processing industry. The newly established Food Safety Authority will require considerable capacity building of their staff to fulfil its mission. In addition, the furniture sector has been identified as a priority sector in the newly launched industrial development strategy of the ministry. STED will provide the support to achieve growth and decent employment creation, which in turn will increase exports and contribute to the socioeconomic development.
ITFC, ILO partner to support Egypt’s food and furniture industries
ITFC, ILO partner to support Egypt’s food and furniture industries
Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh
The Social Development Bank has launched the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum, known as DeveGo 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event runs from Dec. 21 to 23, under the patronage of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB’s Board of Directors Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi. This landmark forum positions itself as the region’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and setting the latest trends in modern work practices, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Don’t start from zero… start from DeveGo.”
DeveGo 2025 serves as a comprehensive national platform showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship through a range of diverse panel discussions, workshops, and other initiatives. The forum brings together an elite group of local and international entrepreneurs, investors, experts, government leaders, as well as prominent global figures in innovation and entrepreneurship, including Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, futurist Ian Khan, and Jonathan Greechan, CEO of the Founder Institute, among other experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their participation reinforces the forum’s international focus and enriches its agenda by enabling the sharing of the latest knowledge and experiences from diverse global markets.
DeveGo 2025 will witness the launch of a package of supportive programs and initiatives, including new financial products specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to the signing of strategic agreements and partnerships aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial ventures, creating opportunities, and empowering the most promising projects — all while opening new pathways for growth. The forum will also host the “NEXT UP Challenge,” which will enable 20 startups to showcase their innovative projects and solutions before a panel of experts and specialists, while offering entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with more than 50 local investors during the third day of the forum.
In addition, the forum will host the “DeveGo Handicrafts Competition,” which celebrates high-quality small enterprises that have evolved into impactful success stories with clear economic and social impact.
The “Salam Award for Promising Projects” will be given in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Integrated Company, or Salam, to encourage entrepreneurs and startup owners to present their projects in a smart and simplified manner, on social media platforms.
Furthermore, DeveGo 2025 offers participants and visitors a comprehensive, interactive, and knowledge-driven experience designed to enhance awareness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as financial and non-financial programs. This will include training and consultancy services to support growth across three main tracks: the “Inspiration Zone,” focusing on modern technologies and the creative economy; the “Growth Zone,” dedicated to modern business models, flexible work, franchising, and business development; and the “Entrepreneurship Zone,” which highlights future economic trends, venture capital, and sustainability.
The forum is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors over three days, who will benefit from specialized workshops and advisory sessions delivered by more than 50 consultants and experts, providing an integrated experience in business development, guidance, and innovation.
