PRESS RELEASE
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Bahrain contributes USD 200,000 to WTO–ITC
Fund to support women exporters
More women entrepreneurs will be
able to expand their digital and export skills following a new contribution from the Kingdom of Bahrain to a global
fund set up to help expand opportunities for women-led
businesses in international trade. The World Trade Organization (WTO)
Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) today (29 September)
signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Bahrain at WTO
headquarters in Geneva, confirming a contribution of USD 200,000 to the Women
Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.
The signing marked Bahrain’s
commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment through digital trade and
to creating new opportunities for inclusive growth by supporting women‑led
micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Launched in February 2024 at the
WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the USD 50 million
WEIDE Fund is jointly funded and managed by the WTO Secretariat and ITC. The
Fund provides grants, mentorship and access to international business networks
to help women entrepreneurs leverage digital trade opportunities and compete in
global markets.
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Bahrain’s support: "This contribution from the
Kingdom of Bahrain demonstrates a strong commitment to trade, empowering women
entrepreneurs and ensuring they are equipped to seize the opportunities of
digital trade. By joining the WEIDE Fund partnership, Bahrain is helping to
build a more inclusive global trading system where women-led businesses can
innovate, grow and create jobs."
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: "Bahrain’s support is timely and impactful. It will enable
us to reach more women entrepreneurs, particularly those facing barriers in
accessing international markets. Together, we are ensuring that women-led
businesses not only receive funding but also the tools, skills and networks
they need to succeed in the digital economy."
H.E. Mr. Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the
Kingdom of Bahrain to the UN Office and other international organizations in
Geneva, representing the Kingdom
of Bahrain, said: "The Kingdom of Bahrain is proud to contribute to
the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund launched by the WTO and
ITC, reflecting Bahrain’s strong commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs,
advancing their participation in global trade, and supporting inclusive and
sustainable economic growth.
"Guided by the vision and
directives of our leadership, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and
Prime Minister, Bahrain continues to advance initiatives that foster inclusive
development and innovation. Today's contribution also reflects the dedication
of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of
the Supreme Council for Women, to promoting women’s economic empowerment and
enabling them to thrive in the digital economy."
The WEIDE Fund has so far launched
application windows in the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, Nigeria and Jordan,
with thousands of women entrepreneurs applying for support. Contributions from
the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Fund and now
the Kingdom of Bahrain are helping turn this global vision into concrete
results for women in trade.
END