Yemen and Germany Steadily growing economic relations [Archives:2003/647/Business & Economy]
Mahyoub Al-Kamaly
Yemeni president Ali Abdulla Saleh's recent visit to Germany has represented an important political stage in relations between the two countries, especially under the political and economic variables prevalent in the present international relations. The visit has embodied years of communication and exchange of visits by the two countries' officials, especially the historic visits of the former German president to Yemen in 1992 and the Yemeni president visit Germany in 1997.
Economic cooperation of the two countries has since 1995 seen a noticeable progress and volume of its rates under trade and economic agreements concluded by the two countries. The total amount of German exports to Yemen amounted to 113.5 million German marks and in 1999 amounted to 164.4 million marks. The German establishment of GTZ implements projects of technical support in Yemen. It has begun its activity in the '70s of the last century in drinking water projects, sewage system, development of medium and small towns and administrative and organizational support, in addition to sectors of education, health and electricity.
Part of the bilateral cooperation Germany offered training assistance to Yemen amounting to78 million marks and value of contracts the two countries have signed reached more than 700 million marks. The German establishment KFW helped in building Sana'a International Airport and some main roads. The German establishment DED has contributed to help Yemen in research and field training fields and in small industries, health services and development of local societies. The Federal establishment for geological studies worked for helping Yemen in training at geological map centre and projects for geological survey and mineralization.
The German government has specified 10 areas of priorities to work through for alleviating poverty in Yemen for the purpose of mitigating burdens of debts and the poor taking part in development and realization of food security and guarantee gaining vital resources.
Germany also supports the project on improving the teacher performance, the curricula, school administration, educating girls, local development and connecting nationwide concepts of development for implementing them. In addition Germany also supports higher education by granting scholarship to Yemeni students.
In the field of economic reform and economic development, Germany supports in three areas:
– Strengthening regional economic development,
– Enhancing opportunities for helping private sector accommodate labor,
– Help the central government institutions.
In this context Germany supported the project of '' Urban Development and Support of Self Abilities of Rural Areas''. In addition, it encouraged small enterprises and vocational training has for increasing production of workers and help fight poverty. Currently Germany is offering support for 32 districts in Yemen aimed to improve health and preventive services in170 rural health units. Thus, contribute to improve the health situation of around one million people. Some German businessmen intend to increase their investments in Yemen especially in the free zone. Therefore the Yemeni-German relations are growing in various areas and it is expected that president Saleh visit to Germany would result in consolidation of bilateral relations in all fields.
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