The Economic and Social Development Fund (ESFD) disclosed yesterday that, during the first quarter of 2018 and under the ‘Job Creation’ component, it has financed 114 private projects of a total value of L.L 2.8 billion and generated some 131 new jobs. ESFD pointed out that the number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) financed by the Fund since its inception in 2003 until March of this year, has amounted to 10043 credits with a total value of L.L 186.3 billion, resulting in the creation of around 8467 new jobs. To recall, the ESFD was formed within the framework of European-Mediterranean Partnership and through a financing agreement signed in November 2000 between the Lebanese government represented by the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the EU. It aims to fight poverty and alleviate its impact on impoverished communities. (Al Mustaqbal, April 20, 2018)