The PDD sessions provided a detailed presentation of the OECD’s methodology and toolkit designed on PPD and examples of PPDs in Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Libya, respectively, to build some lessons for Yemenis stakeholders. There was great interest from the participants in the PPD Methodology and in learning from other experiences. During the PPD session dedicated to opportunities and obstacles for PPD, the specificities of developing a PPD platform in Yemen were discussed, highlighting the uniqueness of the Yemeni private sector operating in a conflict and fragmented context, the risk of developing a unified voice among all stakeholders and the lack of commitment from the governmental authorities. Lessons learnt from past PPD initiatives in Yemen were also discussed.

Regarding the development of a sustainable PPD platform in Yemen, discussions centred on the challenges of establishing a PPD governance structure in Yemen, as well as the importance of inclusivity among private sector representatives despite fragmentation. The need for a better private sector mapping and capacity-building for business associations was highlighted.

Yemeni private actors described their challenges facing their operations, especially in a war setting. The following issues were mentioned: excessive rents, currency fluctuations, fees for licenses, certification, access to banking services, access to ICT services, bankruptcy law, export restrictions and rates. Restrictions on women’s economic participation were discussed, in particular their access to banking services.

Participants agreed that supporting PPD in Yemen today would:

• Entail a bottom-up approach,
• Address issues where a certain consensus could be reached without political implications,
• Have a local and/or sectoral focus,
• Start with pilot dialogues to assess the relevance and usefulness of PPDs and subsequently replicate and expand successful approaches,
• Support the representativity of private sector actors in an inclusive manner,
• Involve to the extent possible the public authorities, from Aden through their relevant ministries and from Sana’a at a technical level whenever possible.