The Reverse Linkage mechanism is a technical cooperation programme championed by IsDB to provide solution to development challenges by means of triangular cooperation. Through the Reverse Linkage mechanism, IsDB matches two member countries to exchange technology, resources and expertise.  

“Our agreement with SDHB is the first private sector partnership for Reverse Linkage mechanism. Reverse Linkage has proven to be a success. In addition to working with the public sector, we are currently extending our partnerships with developers from the private sector and civil society,” says Dr. Bandar Hajjar, IsDB President. “This agreement will strengthen the cooperation between IsDB and the SDHB in the transfer of proven expertise, know-how and technology in key transformational areas for the benefit of IsDB member countries.”

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, the CEO of SDBH, Dato Dr. MA Karim Abdullah stated: “We are pleased to partner with IsDB. It is a win-win situation for both parties. We already have global collaboration with Microsoft in the frontiers of technology and another partnership in artificial intelligence with Stanford University. We are happy that IsDB is joining hands with us to put our objectives into reality.”

The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen the development cooperation between IsDB and SDHB in the transfer of proven expertise, know-how and technology in key transformational areas for the benefit of IsDB member countries.

The areas identified include but not limited to construction, procurement of equipment, sharing or development of standard operating procedures, capacity development, human capital development (training of trainers), designing course contents and syllabus, design and development of suitable IT platforms and certification schemes.

As part of the agreement, the first phase of the project will kick-off with US $18 million TVET (energy) in Guyana, one of IsDB member countries in Latin America. The project will focus on relevant energy sectors and specifically position Guyana as a potential Hub in oil and gas in the CARICOM region.