Ambassador
signs two agreements
September 29, 2004
In an official ceremony on September 29, U.S. Ambassador
H. Douglas Barclay, Salvadoran Foreign Affairs Minister Francisco
Lainez, and USAID Director Mark Silverman signed two agreements
aimed at promoting greater economic freedom and an open,
diversified economy as well as more responsive, transparent
government.
Witnessing the ceremony were Minister of Economy,Yolanda
de Gavidia and Minister of Agriculture, Mario Salaverria.
The Ruling Justly: More Responsive, Transparent
Governance: USAID will finance the “Transparent Justice and Governance
Activity.” Through this Activity, USAID will promote
improvements in the application of the rule of law and
increased use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,
areas that
affect the investment climate and the willingness of both
foreign and domestic business to invest in El Salvador.
In addition,
this Activity will promote greater transparency and accountability
of government by addressing and identifying measures to
control corruption, which is central to good governance
and economic
growth. The total estimated USAID contribution for this
Activity is $20 million over a five-year period. GOES counterpart
contribution is estimated at $5,667,000.
Economic Freedom: Open, Diversified, Expanding Economies
Strategic Objectives: USAID will finance the “Economic
growth for the 21st Century (CRECER 21) Activity.” CRECER
21 will help to increase El Salvador’s competitiveness
and productivity, and take advantage of new trade oportuniti4es
resulting from trade agreements to stimulate economic growth,
attract investments, and expand j9bo creation. It will achieve
this by assisting the GOES and the private sector to take
advantage of a sound macro-economic policy structure and
the opportunities for economic prosperity presented by the
Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the U.S.
The total estimated USAID contribution for this Activity
is $69.5 million over a five-year period. GOES counterpart
contribution is estimated at $7,200,000.
[ Ambassador's
Remarks ]
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