Japan supports the International Trade Centre with over $1.3 million for projects in Kenya, Lebanon, Somalia, State of Palestine and Sudan (en)
(Geneva) The Government of Japan today announced funding of $1.34 million to provide support to the projects of the International Trade Centre in Kenya, Lebanon, Somalia, the State of Palestine, and Sudan.
In Kenya and Somalia, the Refugee Employment and Skills Initiative provides training and capacity building to Somalis living in the Dadaab refugee camp in the crafts and information and technology sectors. The project also supports Somalis returning home – by strengthening their entrepreneurial skills and integrating them in value chains to achieve economic stability.
In the State of Palestine, funding will be used to improve employment opportunities for refugees and internally displaced people – especially women and youth in Gaza. The project focuses on internet-enabled employment in information and communication technology, as investing in this sector will boost the economy of the city of Gaza. Enhancing skills in graphic design and web development creates job opportunities for young Palestinians.
In Lebanon, the International Trade Centre will support Lebanese and Syrian artisans producing home furnishing, home décor and handicrafts to comply with buyer requirements. Their training will focus on fostering technical knowledge and skills on product design, sourcing, packaging, logistics, marketing and branding. The project will also build the capacity of a trade support institution that will continue to build the artisans’ skills beyond the project’s life.
In Sudan, the International Trade Centre will use the funds to provide support to the government’s efforts in acceding to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Thanks to Japan’s support, the International Trade Centre will provide technical assistance to the government on its WTO negotiations, build capacity within the Sudanese civil service to implement new rules and regulations, and facilitate public-private dialogue on trade facilitation.
Arancha González, the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre said, ‘The International Trade Centre is pleased to continue its partnership with the Government of Japan. Through this support we will work with vulnerable communities to build their productive capacity and entrepreneurship and connect their skills to markets. ITC and Japan share a commitment to help refugees and displaced persons regain their dignity and contribute productively to both their host country and country of origin.’
Click here to read the Japanese version of this press release.
Note to the Editor
About ITC - The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
For more information, visit www.intracen.org. Follow ITC on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram
International Trade Centre
Jarle Hetland, Media Officer
P: + 41 22 730 0145
M: + 41 79 582 9180
E: hetland [at] intracen.org (hetland[at]intracen[dot]org)