Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Waed Badhib, met today in the temporary capital, Aden, with Charles Harper, Director of Development at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides in various development fields.
The meeting touched on the importance of the United Kingdom’s participation in the donor coordination conference to support Yemen’s health system, scheduled for next Wednesday, as well as in the First National Energy Conference, considering both events keys to supporting the vital health and energy sectors. The two sides also discussed mechanisms for activating joint committees and directing investments toward infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, transportation, health, and renewable energy projects.
Minister Badhib reviewed the economic reforms being undertaken by the government, noting the approval of the Public-Private Partnership Policy Document, which aims to create new investment opportunities and strengthen the role of the private sector in national development.
Badhib affirmed that Yemen possesses promising economic potential, calling on British companies to invest in the country, particularly in renewable energy. He stressed the government’s commitment to expanding its partnership with the British side in green transformation projects and the transition to alternative energy. He also appreciated the UK’s support in mobilizing donors to finance development projects.
The Minister highlighted the importance of holding regular meetings to review ongoing and future projects, explaining that the government faces major challenges due to the suspension of oil exports and the decline in public revenues. He added that the government continues its efforts to reform the economy and improve the investment climate, in addition to launching a platform to facilitate the work of organizations and development agencies and ensure transparency in funding according to development priorities.
For his part, British official Charles Harper expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Yemeni government, stressing the importance of the upcoming conferences in the health and energy sectors as an opportunity to enhance coordination and develop the partnership with Yemen. He stated that Yemen remains a priority for British support in the fields of relief and development, affirming his country’s keenness to maintain cooperation and mobilize the necessary funding to support state institutions and improve public services.
