The fourth meeting of the Board of Directors of the Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States (AfTIAS 2.0) took place on 19 November 2024 in Doha, Qatar, on the sidelines of the Third Arab SMEs Summit, held under the theme “Navigating Digital Horizons.” AfTIAS 2.0’s participation as an official sponsor of the summit emphasized its integral role in championing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and advancing entrepreneurship, key pillars of the initiative’s mission.
The meeting was presided over by Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and Chairman of the AfTIAS 2.0 Board of Directors. Attendees included Arab ambassadors to the League of Arab States, Board members, and representatives of regional and international organizations. Discussions centered on the progress made during the second phase of the Aid for Trade program and reviewed major milestones achieved since the program’s relaunch on October 27, 2021.
AfTIAS 2.0 has garnered key support from donors, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Mauritania, the Islamic Development Bank, ITFC, the Trade Development Fund, and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD). These contributions have enabled the initiative to realize its goals of supporting entrepreneurship, empowering SMEs, developing infrastructure, and enhancing trade across Arab nations.
Operating in partnership with major global and regional organizations—such as the League of Arab States, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Arab Tourism Organization, and the Trade Facilitation Office Canada (TFO)—AfTIAS 2.0 continues to drive projects that enhance competitiveness, streamline trade processes, and fortify economic resilience across the Arab region.
Key Achievements of Phase II
The second phase of AfTIAS 2.0 has successfully implemented numerous impactful projects across the region. These include initiatives in Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Algeria, and Comoros, targeting critical sectors such as food security, maritime transport, SME empowerment, export development, and women’s economic empowerment. Notable projects include:
In his opening address, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol highlighted the initiative’s remarkable progress: “I am pleased to share that since its launch, AfTIAS 2.0 has approved 21 projects benefiting countries including Algeria, Yemen, Mauritania, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and Egypt. Additionally, four regional projects are set to benefit all Arab countries. To date, the program has allocated approximately USD 5.7 million for these initiatives, which are being implemented by local, regional, and international partners within approved timelines.”
He extended heartfelt gratitude to the initiative’s donors for their steadfast financial support, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Mauritania, AOAD, the Islamic Development Bank, ITFC, and the Trade Development Fund, whose contributions continue to propel the program’s mission forward.
With its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable economic growth, bolster trade, and empower SMEs, AfTIAS 2.0 remains a transformative force driving development and cooperation across the Arab world.