Damascus - The workshop on micro-fund projects organized by the State Planning Commission on Monday focused on preparing a national strategy for micro-fund projects and allotting roles, as well as providing an appropriate atmosphere for them.
The workshop also highlighted the possibility of exchanging knowledge among those in charge of the micro-fund projects in order to curb poverty, upgrade the living standards, empower women and apply the partnership method.
''We in Syria have all the reasons for success that may enhance the role of funding in spurring economic and social development and expanding standing projects and preparing the appropriate atmosphere for micro-fund projects,'' Assistant Chairman of the State Planning Commission Mohyeddin Hamza said.
Director of Women Empowerment Directorate at Ministry of Agriculture Raeda Ayyoub presented an overview of women empowerment and curbing poverty project, indicating the project aims at providing the opportunity for low-income citizens, mainly women, to get the necessary funding for productive projects. She added that the project promotes the method of partnership with local communities by choosing the villages that are most in need.
Director of Rural Development at the northeastern area Issam Dannoun presented an overview of the 7-year integrated development project for eastern areas at a cost of USD 85.1 millions.
Dannoun underlined that the reason of this project is the deterioration of farmlands and pastures due to dryness and adverse climate conditions that reduced agricultural production, which in turn affects the social conditions of the population, in addition to scarcity of water resources due to the lack of rain.
Syria gives noticeable attention to micro-fund projects after the issuance of decree No.15 for the year 2007 where a number of workshops were organized. Representatives of ministries, general establishments involved in micro-fund projects are taking part in the workshop.
By Manal Ismael/Mazen
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2009
