Vienna, April 30 (SANA) The OPEC Fund for International Development has launched a $1.5 billion initiative to support economic stability, trade and resilience in developing countries amid rising global pressures.
The initiative, titled the Economic Stability, Trade and Resilience Initiative (E-STAR), will be implemented from 2026 to 2028. It aims to provide rapid, demand-driven support to help these countries maintain essential services, secure access to critical imports, safeguard development gains and strengthen resilience against future shocks.
According to the fund, recent developments in the Middle East are placing additional strain on energy, commodity and trade markets, contributing to inflation, rising import costs and tighter financing conditions.
Under E-STAR, support will focus on counter-cyclical financing to address import costs and financial pressures. It will also strengthen trade finance to secure essential goods and sustain trade flows, and invest in energy, transport and logistics infrastructure to enhance supply chains and reduce future risks.
OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said the initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to addressing global challenges and supporting partner countries in maintaining economic stability.
Headquartered in Vienna, the OPEC Fund was established in 1976 as a multilateral development finance institution supporting socio-economic development in low- and middle-income countries.
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