UNIDO DG to SEE: Global Partnership Topped Talks with Egyptian Leadership

By: Nawal Sayed

CAIRO, Dec. 14 (SEE) - “Promoting the Global Partnership approach and holding discussions with Egyptian statesmen and economists are my main goals behind this visit to Cairo,” said Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Li Yong.

Yong arrived in Cairo on Dec. 11 for a three-day trip as he held several discussions with Egyptian economists, private sector’s leaders and officials, most notably President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and concerned ministers.

“Encouraging the micro,small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) topped my talks with the Egyptian statesmen,” Yong told SEE in exclusive remarks given on Thursday.

In a response to a question about how African countries can be transformed into industrial states instead of relying on raw material exports, Yong manifested that encouraging and developing SMEs will create more job opportunities for youth and women and will attract more investments which spontaneously will contribute to building new factories and opening new industries.

UNIDO DG Li Yong with SEE Editor Nawal Sayed in Cairo, Dec. 13, 2018- Press Photo

He stressed that UNIDO will assist Egypt to upgrade its World Bank category and enhance its economic and industrial position.

Yong noted that UNIDO help youth to get prepared for occupying skilled jobs. “More than 5000 youth completed their training courses given by UNIDO professionals and they are ready now to run and lead small and medium projects.”Over 2017 -2018, the UNIDO portfolio in Egypt comprised 11 main projects with a total budget of over USD $30 million implemented with the generous support of 9 primary donors.

UNIDO team in Egypt comprises about 60 professionals based in Cairo, Alexandria and Egypt’s Delta, Luxor, Sohag, and Minya.