Participants in a discussion session on “The Economic Situation in Marib Governorate: Challenges, Opportunities and Visions,” which was organized by SEMC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in cooperation with the Economic Reform Team, demanded formation of an economic council based on partnership between the local authority and the private sector in the governorate.
Inaugurating the session, which was attended by directors of executive economic offices, academics, researchers, major investors, and businesswomen, deputy governor of Marib, Dr. Abdrabbu Miftah, underscores the importance of holding the workshop in the context of present circumstances and stability in the governorate which made it the preferred destination of displaced Yemenis, including investors. He points out that active contribution to the future visions of Marib economy helps local authorities formulate appropriate solutions at the right time, pointing out that economic factors in Marib are available. According to Miftah, the question is how to maintain a balanced economic situation, exploit available resources and encourage investment, especially in view of the ideal security and stability in the governorate.
Miftah underscores the need to come up with practical outputs that shall contribute to realizing workshop objectives. He also expressed local authority willingness to support the economic council, backing SEMC proposal of setting up a joint economic council, thanking the Center for all its activities which contribute to supporting development plans in Marib.
For his part, chairman of Marib Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Abdulhaq Munif highlights the role of the workshop in filling gaps in economic research, pointing out that investors often look for such studies prior to starting any investment projects as they provide insights into the economic situation in the region and the type of projects needed. Munif calls on the audience to share their observations to enrich the study so that it can be a reliable reference on the economic situation in Marib.
Munif highlights the need for strengthening government and private sector partnership, which is crucial for comprehensive development since the private sector is a key and essential partner for development in the governorate and the country at large. He states that the Chamber of Commerce will help in creating the economic council, which will play a pivotal role in uniting local authority, private sector and civil society endeavors for economic development.
SEMC coordinator in Marib, Mohammed al-Huraibi, points out that the session aims at identifying the contours of the economic situation in Marib and contextualizing it in the current scene through a comprehensive academic study, to identify challenges in a way that helps concerned authorities develop solutions for those issues. He points out that the session aims to shed light on the economic situation in the governorate based on the economic environment, resources and impact of the war on economic components, besides discussing challenges and opportunities with a view of coming up with a clear-cut vision of the future to boost the economic situation in the governorate.
Al-Huraibi expresses appreciation of local authorities for their interaction and participation in this session, and thanks Chamber of Commerce and Industry leadership and all participants for their interaction and contributions through putting forward valuable recommendations for improving economic visions of future Marib. He expresses his hope that practical steps are urgently taken to form an economic council that would contribute to addressing challenges to private sector in the governorate.
The analytical study prepared by economic researcher at SEMC, Dr. Amin al-Humaidi, on the reality of the economic sectors in Marib and the future economic vision of the governorate was reviewed in the session.
The study reviews current reality of Marib economy using a number of general indicators, most notably indicators of spending, income, health, educational development and infrastructure. It also reviews the current reality of key economic sectors, including industry, agriculture, oil and minerals, and tourism, analyzing the economic environment of these sectors.
The session was concluded by reviewing the economic opportunities and challenges in the governorate and analyzing sectors to identify economic intervention priorities. Participants also put forth many observations and comments that enriched the study, expressing their thanks to organizers and appreciating the efforts exerted in conducting the study, and hoping to see more of such discussions in the future to contribute to effective partnership.
SEMC is a non-profit civil society organization promoting a successful and transparent economic system through training and raising awareness of economic issues, and enhancing transparency and citizen participation in decision-making. It promotes professional media and economic empowerment of youth and women and advances their role in peacebuilding.