Riyadh Conference ends

RIYADH, Feb. 28 (Saba) – The Riyadh Donor Conference on Yemen
concluded on Sunday, with the second day meeting dedicated to discussing roadblocks
to
spending donor pledges as well as accelerating the implementation of projects
according to specific timetables.
Issues relating to Yemen's developmental needs for 2011-2015 were discussed as well.
Also, five reports that were prepared by the Ministry of Planning and International
Cooperation and the UN on progress made on identifying the third millennium goals
during
2011-2015, the preparation of the fourth development plan, progress on preparing an
investment program for 2011-2015 as well as progress on the designs of wanted
projects
to achieve the plan and establishing a mechanism for Yemen-donors coordination were
reviewed.
The Yemeni government presented four papers, the first focused on using national
resources, reinforcing capacity power and proposed alternatives to boost capacity
power,
the flow of aid for executive units and establish new local and international
executive units, approving a mechanism to set up multi-financed funds, and direct
support for
the state budget as a new mechanism to face deficit.
The second paper profoundly detailed challenges facing Yemen, first and foremost,
negative impacts of the rapid population growth on access to education, healthcare
and
other basic services, the issue of dwindling groundwater resources, challenges
related to diversifying national income resources and limiting reliance on oil, and
security
and stability challenges.
The third paper addressed the reform package for 2009-2010 and reform priorities
for 2011-2015. In this regard, the government affirmed its determination to
implement further
robust reforms and continue strengthening its partnership with donors.
The fourth paper focused on the Yemeni government's vision over absorbing Yemeni
laborers in Arabian Gulf markets, pointing to a recent academic study on the matter
suggesting
allocating a quota for the Yemeni workforce in the GCC member states as a key factor
for the integration of Yemen's economy into the GCC counterparts.
The government also presented a special paper on the nature of challenges facing
Yemen's security and their impacts on the country's stability, topped by al-Qaeda
and piracy
threats.
During the meeting, Deputy Minister for Planning and International Cooperation
Mutahar al-Abbasi delivered a detailed explanation of the fourth five-year plan and
its investment
program. The plan included scenarios ambitious economic development that relies on
stimulating economic growth and creating job opportunities, fighting unemployment
and poverty.
The second day meeting of the conference also raised up issues related to Friends
of Yemen Group and the establishment of its fund under a proposal put forward by
Italy's
Foreign Minister during the January 27 London Summit on Yemen.
During the first day meeting, the government presented two reports on the latest
economic developments as well as progress on going ahead with reforms.
Progress on donor allocations made in 2006 and projects implemented with the funds
during the last four years was discussed today in addition to reviewing a special
report
on the current situation of allocations and progress on implementing projects in
association with the Planning and International Cooperation Ministry, the
GCCSecretariat
General and UK's International Development Ministry.
Rebuilding war-ravaged Saada and the fight on terror in Yemen would be high on the
agenda of Riyadh Conference that will gather donors and Yemen's partners to find
the best
ways to disburse aid to the country, the Yemeni ambassador to Saudi Arabia said a
day ahead of the conference.
FR