Gov't interested in funding, solving small-scale enterprises

"At the donors' conference held recently at the red sea resort of Sharm EL Sheikh, the government concentrated on finding the necessary funding for small-scale enterprises for young people over the coming three years," Minister of Foreign Trade Youssef Boutros Ghali said yesterday.

He added that the government's efforts come as part of the investment, social and services projects to be funded by grants and soft loans offered by the donor countries and financial institutions.

These grants and soft loans will hit 10.3 bn over three years.

Boutros Ghali explained that the government is interested in small projects, because they can play an important role in increasing local investments and the movement of bank deposits, leading to a reduction in unemployment.

The top foreign trade official added that the government is also very concerned with programmes and projects to boost exports, thereby reducing the trade deficit and redressing the balance of payments.