THE Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group organized an event on “Promoting Connectivity for Sustainable Development”, on the sidelines of WTO’s 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 IDB Group. In addition there was the special presence of Mrs. Aja Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, vice president of Gambia, who had delivered the keynote speech.

The event provided an in-depth analysis of the IDB Group 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 highlighted IDB Group support for development of productive capacities in member countries and its assistance to overcome supply side constraints. The report also highlighted main achievements of Aid for Trade activities in member countries.

The event was also 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, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Amr Ramadan, ambassador, permanent representative to the WTO, Egypt, were the key speakers in the opening session. In addition to presentations from Torbjörn Fredriksson, chief, ICT analysis, technology and logistics, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Nicolas Gresser, director of regulatory affairs, Etisalat Group, Syed Habib Ahmed, advisor to the CEO ITFC, Ahmed Al Qabany, senior transport and urban development specialist, IDB and Elmostafa AitAmor, senior cooperation specialist at IDB.

Sonbol stated that, “The IDB Group adopted a 10-year Strategy (2016-2025) of which one of its objectives is “Connectivity for Growth”. The objective of Connectivity for Growth stems from IDB Group’s mandate in promoting cooperation among its member countries in various forms, both in terms of private sector and public-sector cooperation to enhance trade, investment, knowledge, and capacity development.”

He also commended the efforts exerted by Director General of World Trade Organization (WTO) and Secretary General of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for their remarkable support and leadership in pursuing the objectives of the Aid for Trade Initiative; “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.”

Mrs. Aja Fatoumatta Jallow 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.” — SG