Press releases

Japan announces $1.2 million to ITC for digital services development in the Federal Republic of Somalia and the State of Palestine

30 March 2021
ITC News

(Geneva) The Government of Japan has announced it will provide $1.2 million in funding for projects in the Federal Republic of Somalia and the State of Palestine.

The funding supports vulnerable communities in these countries, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

‘We thank the Government of Japan for the trust and confidence it has placed in us,’ said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre. ‘We look forward to expanding this partnership that promotes good trade.’

The project in the Federal Republic of Somalia focuses on capacity building, mentoring and creating market linkages for digital services, such as business process outsourcing and graphic design. It targets returnees and internally displaced persons, as well as host communities.

In the State of Palestine, the funding will focus on technical and vocational training for youth, again using digital channels to connect with clients, build skills and access new markets.

The projects are expected to boost demand for online services, especially for young entrepreneurs, and thus create new jobs.

Aside from these two projects, ITC’s SheTrades initiative is also supported by the Government of Japan. The funding is used to strengthen the financial and managerial capacity of women entrepreneurs and connect them to impact investors and financers.

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.

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International Trade Centre

Vittorio Cammarota

Chief, Communications and Events

T: +41 22 730 0322

E: vcammarota [at] intracen.org (vcammarota[at]intracen[dot]org)