Beirut, 5 May, 2017.
H.E. Mr. Massimo Marotti- Ambassador of Italy to Lebanon and Dr. Cristiano Pasini, the UNIDO Representative for Lebanon announced today a € 500,000 grant to create new jobs and new business opportunities for the Lebanese agro-food sector. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will implement the project by supporting the development of selected agro-food productive capacities. The initiative aims at providing new economic opportunities for unemployed Lebanese youth and women.
During the signing ceremony that was held today at the Italian Embassy, the Ambassador stressed that Italy’s support to Lebanon and to its institutions includes key initiatives to create new jobs. Ambassador Marotti added that “UNIDO is a longstanding, effective and reliable partner to respond to the priorities of Lebanon”.
“Today, supporting the productive sectors of the Lebanese economy is more critical than ever” said UNIDO Representative. “At a time when unemployment is intensifying, the agro-food sector has the potential to be a major driver to creating jobs and economic opportunities for young women and men”. “Since 2011, with the financial support of the Government of Italy, we have been supporting the agro-industrial sector and this new project will further help our effort to sustain the livelihood of most affected Lebanese communities”, said Pasini.
The new project is designed to improve employment opportunities of a number of Lebanese households through technical support and market oriented professional skills trainings to young and women. A number of micro, small and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) and agricultural cooperatives, specifically in the dairy and apiculture sectors will benefit from this support.
The project will be implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Industry for a period of 12 months.