Security remains the major problem facing investors in Yemen, particularly those seeking to invest in remote areas, most out of the control of the central government struggling with dangerous internal conflicts, the International Finance Corporation has said.

With the problem, investing in key sectors such as minerals which could form 7 per cent of Yemen's national economy remains hampered.

Director of enterprises at the WB subsidiary Samar Esmat told media outlets that firms are waiting for the minerals legislation that can pave the way for investors to invest capitals and help boost Yemen's fragile economy.

The Cabinet has already approved the legislation that Esmat contributed to its draft text. She expects the law will basically help ease concerns of investors.

Yemen has large reserves of gold, zinc, copper and other minerals but the situation in the country is not encouraging foreign investors to chance, she added. The minerals sector in Yemen is promising and can bring in $ 500000 in ten years and create 2000-3000 jobs, Esmat said.

Esmat noted that there are 14 firms investing minerals in the Arab poorest country, with only one of them having started to produce zinc, while the other companies are still exploring minerals.

Analysts expect Yemen can attract more investments in the sector….just as Parliament gives the green light for the minerals legislation.