In Brief [Archives:2005/834/Business & Economy]
– A number of Yemeni businessmen took part in the Investment Forum last Wednesday in Mensik Bila, Russia. The forum discussed the prospects of joint economic partnerships and exchanging experts. Businessmen and economists from 22 countries participated.
– The Ministry of Culture and Tourism released a report stating that foreign tourism has increased over the last three years. The number of foreign tourists reached 273,000 in 2004, a 41 percent increase from 2003. The report indicated that Yemen's revenue from this sector was US$214 million in 2004, up from US$139 million in 2003.
– The Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology will open 188 stations and enhance 21 existing stations on the 15th anniversary of unification, with the capacity of 268,622 telephone lines at the cost of YR 12,46,162,648. The foundation stones of 34 new stations will be laid with a capacity of 46,398 lines at the cost of YR 580,410,000. A report issued by the ministry mentioned that 500,000-line projects will include 41,953 new lines at the cost of YR 5,829,213,000 and the foundation stones of 3072 lines worth of YR 340,992,000.
– The roundtable conference on growth and social work in Yemen organized by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation recommended adopting a practical policy for overcoming investment obstacles in Yemen. It focused on the phases of partnership between the government and the private sector, development of banking and the reinforcement of its role in credit cards, including the establishment of credit cards attracting and organizing savings. The recommendations called for classification of public occupations, improving efficiency and increasing the salaries of workers in order to fight corruption. Concerning gender, the recommendations approved a quota in plans, programs, budgets, and investment encouragement to enhance woman's employment. They also recommended improving women's place in the agricultural sector and meeting their educational, technical and health needs.
——
[archive-e:834-v:13-y:2005-d:2005-04-18-p:b&e]
