The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, members of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement on Monday (Aug.15) in the headquarters in Jeddah. The agreement aims at enabling Nouadhibou Free Zone Authority (NFZA) to adopt international practices in organization design, human resources management, financial planning and management through a twining program, the leading model of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO, ITFC and Khalid Mohammed Al-Aboodi, CEO, ICD signed the agreement, with the presence of representatives from both entities. Launched in June 2013, the Nouadhibou Free Zone (NFZ) was in line with the national vision of the government of Mauritania to develop Nouadhibou Bay as the leading economic pole for the national economy, a trade logistical hub and a commercial gateway for the export of fishery and mineral products. Mauritania, through NFZ, has a great potential to reach multi-sectorial development, which can have the positive needed impact on exports and employment. The success of the Nouadhibou Free Zone can drive the country to export diversification, sustainable economic growth and to increase employment. The agreement is to provide the cooperation framework between ITFC and ICD, particularly for the implementation of the above mentioned project, which has been approved by the Fourth Meeting of the Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States (AfTIAS) Board held in Cairo on Dec. 1, 2015. AfTIAS focuses on the capacity building of trade related institutions, which will contribute to drive the development and management of NFZ as the investment and trade hub for Mauritania. Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol said "this agreement is a milestone in the AfTIAS Program that reflects its aim to achieve inclusive economic growth with increased employment opportunities and greater competitiveness through trade policy reforms in Arab countries as an integral part of the regional trade and economic integration agenda." Khalid Mohammed Al-Aboodi elaborated about the aspirations for the future of this agreement by saying "the Nouadhibou Free Zone is a good platform to attract both national and foreign investments to the country within more conducive business environment. Nouadhibou Free Zone with its strong linkages to the national economy in key sectors such as fisheries is also a major gateway to integrate the local economy of Mauritania to the global economy by means of trade and foster closer inter-Arab country cooperation. Therefore we see high complimentary between the roles of ICD and ITFC as the chairman of AFTIAS under this agreement to support the development of the zone authority in continuation of former efforts by IDB Group that started since 2011." The project will trigger future interventions related to developing trade infrastructure in the zone under a capable and competent administration and planning body (NFZA). In addition, it will contribute to promoting the role of ASEZA internationally as a center of excellence and role model for special economic zones in Arab countries.
