For information only - not an official document
UNIS/OUS/296
9 July 2015
Re-issued as received
VIENNA/LUXEMBOURG, 9 July (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) - The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will jointly promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development, particularly in Africa, including in Ethiopia and Senegal, where UNIDO's Progammes for Country Partnership are currently being implemented.
In addition, other countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) will also be the focus of the new agreement, and geographical areas such as Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and Latin America will also be targeted.
A memorandum of understanding on this matter was signed in Luxembourg today by LI Yong, Director General of UNIDO, and Werner Hoyer, the President of the EIB.
Future joint activities will include investment support activities, technical assistance, and the distribution of good practices and lessons through UNIDO and EIB networks. Furthermore, the collaboration will facilitate and coordinate operations (especially public-private partnerships and investments), including technical assistance for the preparation, implementation and coordination of industrial development strategies and projects.
"The collaboration with UNIDO will focus on some of the key sectors for ACP development, namely in the fields of energy and climate action, while much attention will also be paid to agro-business. Our working together will allow a significant increase in the leverage on the available financing," said Hoyer.
Director General Li added: "The new agreement is part of UNIDO's renewed efforts to establish cooperation partnerships with various international financial institutions to support and scale up business infrastructure and investments in developing countries, and further or goal of helping countries on the path of inclusive and sustainable industrial development."
UNIDO and the EIB will promote knowledge sharing, facilitate joint activities, and exchange information and documents concerning matters of common interest.
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For more information, please contact:
Ciyong
ZOU
Director, UNIDO Partnerships and Results Monitoring Branch
Email: c.zou[at]unido.org
