ITFC Provided $50 Billion to Beneficiaries in 12 Years

A dialogue session at the forum organized by ITFC
A dialogue session at the forum organized by ITFC
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ITFC Provided $50 Billion to Beneficiaries in 12 Years

A dialogue session at the forum organized by ITFC
A dialogue session at the forum organized by ITFC

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) announced that the volume of funding for trade provided over the past 12 years amounted to $50 billion, covering 750 beneficiaries throughout the Islamic world and including dozens of economic activities.
 
The announcement was made at the end of a forum organized by the ITFC, a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, on Thursday.
 
Hani Salem Sunbol, CEO of the Corporation, said that the funds were allocated to government and public institutions, banks, private sector companies and SMEs.
 
He noted that these funds contributed to improving the lives of individuals from all walks of life, including farmers, workers, traders and people living in poverty in 51 member states in the Middle East, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
 
Saudi Arabia has been a true supporter of the Corporation’s 12 years of operation, Sunbol said, given its position as the largest sponsor of the Bank.
 
Dr. Bandar Hajjar, President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, said that the Bank and its institutions, including the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), were based on many pillars, including building and strengthening strategic partnerships with all banks, financial and development institutions and international organizations, whose interests and actions intersect with the Group’s activities.
 
Hajjar explained that this forum would provide an opportunity for dialogue and exchange of experiences between partners on the challenges and developments at various levels, which have a major impact on international trade.
 
He added that development activities carried out by the Corporation were contributing to the achievement of development plans in member states and to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.



Bahrain Inaugurates Bapco Refinery’s Modernization Project

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
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Bahrain Inaugurates Bapco Refinery’s Modernization Project

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has inaugurated the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP), which stands as the largest strategic undertaking in the Kingdom’s history and a pivotal development in the energy sector. It is expected that production capacity will reach 400,000 barrels per day.

The inauguration took place on Thursday in the presence of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and on Bahrain’s 53rd National Day celebrations and the Silver Jubilee of the King’s accession.

The King underscored the significance of BMP in fostering national development and sustainability, aligning with Bahrain’s ambition to maximize the value of its natural resources for economic and societal advancement.
"This landmark project reflects our enduring commitment to sustainable growth, utilizing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s natural energy resources to power economic progress and development," he stated.

King Hamad highlighted the BMP’s role in driving the Kingdom’s energy transition strategy, emphasizing the government’s steadfast dedication under the leadership of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to advancing economic recovery through strategic investments in high-potential sectors.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies Mark Thomas and Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Refining, highlighted during a joint press conference held on the sidelines of the inauguration of BMP, that the initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing Bahrain’s production capacity in oil refining.

They noted that the project is expected to substantially support the national economy and increase revenues, representing a strategic step to strengthen Bahrain’s economy by creating new jobs and improving the quality of petroleum products, with a focus on employing Bahrainis in the project.

They also expressed their optimism about the strategic project, which will serve as a foundation for launching new initiatives to enhance Bahrain's position as a leading investment destination. It is expected that production capacity will reach 400,000 barrels per day, representing a 42% increase.

Jawahery highlighted the historical cooperation between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, commending the partnership between Bapco and Saudi Aramco. "We currently import 220,000 barrels per day of Saudi crude oil, and with the project’s completion, imported quantities will exceed 320,000 barrels per day. This sustainable cooperation spanning more than 70 years serves as a model for Gulf integration," he said.