The meeting comes after a series of meetings in the governorates of Hadramout, Aden, Taiz and Hodeida
Participants stressed the importance of neutralizing the private sector and setting it apart from political conflicts, engaging it in decision-making during the upcoming phase, and cancelling all the decisions on customs and taxes, which were previously made by the Ministry of Finance
At the meeting organized by the economic reform team as well as the private sector advocacy group , in cooperation with the capital secretariat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Yemeni Business Club and the Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC), Dr.Najat Juaman, member of the economic reform team, and Dr. Mohammed Hamnah, member of the private sector advocacy group, reviewed the private sector vision on sustained economic activity and reconstruction as well as the challenges and hindrances currently facing the sector, besides the programs required to be undertaken during the current phase.
The said vision envisaged five key goals for the war and reconstruction phases. These include improving the humanitarian situation of the most affected social groups, supporting the private sector during crises, supporting war-shattered projects, and encouraging small and medium-sized projects. As for the reconstruction phase goals, they include improving the business environment to sustain economic activity, expanding the role of the private sector in reconstruction and achieving development.
The vision further included specific policies and programs meant to support the sustainability of economic activity and rebuilding the war-shattered country.
For his part, Hassan Kabous, chairman of the capital secretariat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called for economic reforms being a demand made by the whole nation, the private sector, and Yemeni Businessmen, stressing the importance that retake the lead on salvaging various trade activities and preventing the national economy from total collapse.
He further urged the official authorities to ensure engage the private sector in any decisions on amending tax and custom duties, the ways of collecting same before being approved by official authorities such as the Parliament or the Cabinet so such decisions become public and justified.
He said the figures available for the private sector indicate that about 40 percent of GDP ($18 billion) have been lost over the past two years. He affirmed the importance that local and international efforts must be exerted in all Yemeni areas towards pressing for lifting the blockade and restrictions on entry of ships into Yemeni ports as well as reopening Sana’a airport.
Meanwhile, Sami Sabaha, deputy leader of the private sector advocacy group, confirmed that the sector stands by the country, preserves the national economy, and contributes to mitigating citizens’ suffering despite the difficult conditions the country is currently experiencing.
The participants stressed the importance of organizing a number of symposiums and workshops to consider such obstacles and forge unified visions contributing to resolving th the crisis.
They also reviewed the key challenges countering the private sector such as imposition of new customs duties, and blackmail of business under various pretexts.
They affirmed the roles played by the private sector in humanitarian and relief action, indicating that the sector is the key driver of the economy.
Business meeting considers rebuilding , sustained economic activity
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