[16 May 2008]

SANA'A, May 16 (Saba)- Yemen said on Friday it faces difficulties in achieving the goals "Millennium Development" in 2015 despite poverty rate had declined from 40.1 percent to 34.8 percent of the 22 million population.

In its annual report, Social Affairs and Labour Ministry pointed out the high rate of population growth had kept the number of poor people at approximately seven million people, noting the decreased of poverty level is still simple comparing with the objectives of Millennium Development. Its first goal requires reducing the number
of poor people to half.

The report confirmed that Yemen needs $49.5 billion to be able to meet the objectives of Millennium Development. According to the report, the Yemeni government is currently working to find the base funds for many development programs and projects.

The government intends to strengthen the capacities of the social insurance programs such as a project of the Public Works and Social Development Fund to implement a number of programs aimed at alleviating poverty. The government seeks to develop a national strategy for creating more job opportunities through improving the
environment of investment and encouraging the local and foreign private sectors to set up investment projects in Yemen.
YA


Saba