Home World Africa UAE allocates $200m to support low-income countries, reduce poverty The announcement was made during the International Monetary and Financial Committee Meeting, organised on the sidelines of the WBG-IMF Annual Meetings In Morocco by Gulf Business October 15, 2023 Image: WAM The UAE has said it will offer support to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT), as part of its efforts to expand concessional financing for low-income countries. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, announced the country will allocate $200m to PRGT at the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) meeting, organised on the sidelines of the World Bank Group (WBG)-International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings, as reported by the state news agency, WAM. The country participated in the WBG-IMF Annual Meetings held in Morocco, from October 9-15. Founded in January 2010, PRGT addresses the challenges facing low-income countries. It is a key IMF vehicle that provides concessional funding (currently at zero interest) to low-income countries facing high inflation, persistent food insecurity, increasing debt risks, and high borrowing costs. There are 69 nations that are eligible to receive funding from PRGT. UAE is committed to supporting UN SDGs Al Hussaini said: “The UAE is committed to realising the UN SDGs by all means possible. This includes contributing to trust funds, which fall within the UAE’s strategy and vision for cooperation and coordination with regional and international development organisations and institutions. This bolsters development projects and enhances the benefits gained from provided projects, services, and funding mechanisms, while reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to backing international humanitarian initiatives.” The minister added that holding the WBG-IMF Annual Meetings in Africa, for the first time in nearly 50 years, is a historic opportunity to address issues related to development with more than 189 nations in attendance. This aligns with the UAE’s efforts to bolster its commitment to Africa, foreign aid, reducing poverty, and promoting peace and prosperity. The country also leads the list of donors in terms of official development assistance given compared to its GDP. Tags funding International Monetary Fund Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust PRGT UAE World Bank Group You might also like UAE leaders mourn passing of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed UAE announces remote work for public sector workers, MoHRE advises flexible work for private sector Supermarket chain Spinneys’ $375m IPO draws orders worth $19bn UAE central bank’s foreign assets up Dhs203bn in February 2024