For information only - not an official document
UNIS/OUS/138
3 April 2012
UNIDO and SCANIA to open training academy to revive Iraqi industry
VIENNA/ERBIL, 3 April (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) - Iraq's first Operations and Maintenance Training Academy (OMTA) will officially open in the northern city of Erbil on 17 April.
The Academy will supply much-needed skilled mechanics to the Iraqi sectors of logistics, manufacturing, and industrial maintenance of heavy machinery such as trucks, engines and agricultural equipment.
The Academy was established by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and SCANIA, a leading manufacturer of trucks, buses and engines, through a Swedish Public Private Partnership agreement to help young Iraqis develop new skills and find new jobs. The training facility will be run by the Iraqi Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and will also provide training in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment in the sectors of transport, material handling, agricultural equipment and construction.
Funding of the project is shared between the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and Scania.
A high-level representative from Sweden is expected to take part in the ceremony together with Iraqi Government officials, and representatives of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, and UNIDO.
Journalists are invited to attend the inauguration ceremony in Erbil at 10:00 (06:00 GMT), on 17 April.
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For more information and for accreditation, please contact:
Sirwan
Jameel
Telephone: (+964-750) 451-4607
Email: s.jamel[at]unido.org
For more information on the project please contact:
William
Goldsmith
Email: w.goldsmith[at]unido.org
