The steering committee for the Market Access Enhancement Project (MARKETS) held its second meeting today to discuss the progress made in the project, which is funded and supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group and the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SDRPY) and implemented by the Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service (SMEPS), affiliated with the Social Fund for Development. The meeting was attended by Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Undersecretary Dr. Mohammed Al-Hawari, Agriculture and Irrigation Deputy Minister for Production Sector Abdulmalik Naji, SDRPY Director of Media and Strategic Communications Abdullah bin Kadasa, SMEPS Aden and Hadramout branches Director Dr. Awsina Omar, IsDB Group program management specialist Mohammed Yassin, and SMEPS project manager Maher Khan. Al-Hawari emphasized the importance of the project in improving market access and commended the support from SDRPY and the IsDB, as well as the fruitful cooperati on between all partners. Kadasain commended the efforts of the project partners, including the Yemeni Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Yemeni Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, and highlighted the fruitful cooperation between the program, the IsDB, and SMEPS. He also stressed the importance of joint efforts to achieve the ambitious goals of the project. Yassin underlined the significance of sustaining such projects and their role in achieving sustainable development in Yemen. MARKETS contributes to addressing gaps in the trade and production sectors for the value chains of three economically significant Yemeni products in the local market: coffee, honey, and onions. The meeting also reviewed the project's results and activities aimed at addressing market performance weaknesses affecting small farmers, enhancing sustainable livelihoods, creating job opportunities, improving income, and promoting agriculture-based economic development. SDRPY has implemented develo pmental projects and initiatives in 14 Yemeni governorates across eight sectors: education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, capacity building for government institutions, and developmental programs. Source: Saudi Press Agency