British Ambassador Visits UK Supported Projects in Zahle

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
  • W460
  • W460
  • W460
  • W460

With determination, perseverance and training, small and medium enterprises in Zahle have turned into professional businesses with new organizational structures and expanded their market with UK Aid support under the flagship project ‘INTAJ’ led by Mercy Corps.

The program is aimed at addressing Lebanese communities’ economic needs in the Bekaa and North Lebanon.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hugo Shorter visited ‘Agrifresh’ and ‘Kayssar Atta’ businesses that have benefited from this program. Through training of staff and provision of consultancy services both businesses have created new full-time employment opportunities (jobs) and increased their sales.

Shorter also held meetings with Zahle Bloc MPs and head of the Municipal Council, Asaad Zgheib, where discussions focused on the overall situation in the country.

“It is always a pleasure to return to Zahle to follow-up on UK-funded projects supporting local businesses and communities. We are keen to continue working with Lebanon on opportunities that are making a real difference in people’s daily lives though our strong and longstanding relationship,” said Shorter at the end of his visit.

“By March 2018 the UK would have invested £12.7m in this program targeting much needed economic opportunities. You have asked and we are delivering,” the ambassador added.

“I had a good meeting with Zahle bloc MPs and the mayor in which I reiterated the UK’s ongoing support to local communities up and down the country. We recognize the huge challenges facing many local businesses and municipalities. I am encouraged by projects like ‘INTAJ’ which by March 2018, will see 2400 people trained, 120 businesses supported and improve waste sorting for over 40,0000 households,” he went on to say.

“I was also pleased to meet the female employees today from Agrifresh and Kayssar Atta improving their lives and their communities’ economy and wish them a happy International Women’s Day. With parliamentary elections coming up, I hope that we will see more women participation in the next parliament and government,” the ambassador added.

Agrifresh beneficiary Nicole said: “I graduated with a degree in accounting and couldn’t find a job. I’m extremely happy that this program has opened doors for small and medium sized enterprises to grow allowing them to create new jobs. I was successful in the interview process and have been working for Agrifresh for two months.”

By creating jobs and identifying economic opportunities INTAJ is working across 3 levels: skills training for individuals; supporting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs); and working with communities to support the development of solid waste management and recycling, a British Embassy statement said.

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