Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Kabbaj Wednesday announced the launch of the first phase of the irregular employment support programme, in cooperation with three NGOs. The first phase aims to provide EGP 160m worth of loans to 10,000 small and micro enterprises, funded entirely by the Rural and Environmental Industries Support and Rural Revival Fund, affiliated to the Ministry Social solidarity. The fund was established in accordance with Law No. 167 of 1956 and amended by Republican Decree No. 1075 of 1964. It is a non-profit public body with a legal personality. El-Kabbaj, who is also the Chairperson of the Fund, said that the first phase of the programme witnessed the signing of three cooperation protocols with three NGOs to grant loans to 11,300 beneficiaries at low interest rates in Giza, Beheira, Fayoum, Sohag, Assiut, and Qena. These NGOs were licensed by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) to practice the activity of lending to individuals. These NGOs are the Association for the Development of Small Projects in Fayoum, the Association of Businessmen Club in Nagaa Hammadi, and the Association for the Improvement of the Status of Women and Children. El-Kabbaj added that the Fund aims to create a supportive environment to boost the economic and living standards of vulnerable families in the countryside, and promote rural and environmental industries, handicrafts and heritage through a number of actions, the most important of which is the establishment and management of activities that reinforce the development of societies. This is part of the framework of the directives of the political leadership. Many the presidential initiative aim to support irregular employment, including "Bir Aman" to support small-scale fishermen, the "Tetlaf fe harir" (creative hands) initiative to support small makers in the carpet and hand-knit sector, and the "Aslaha Masry" (Made in Egypt) initiative in the field of decoration. Another initiative is "Tare'ak Aman" (You're on a safe road) initiative for delivery captains and other irregular employment groups. The Fund also seeks to build partnerships with many regional and international development agencies and learn from international expertise in the areas of supporting local industries. It also assists with marketing the handicrafts and heritage products created within the framework of the aforementioned initiatives, through holding local and international exhibitions and bazars, as well as providing technical training for individuals and institutions working in the development of rural, environmental and domestic industries.
