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Cape Verde Eligible for a Second MCC Compact
Por VNN Staff /
Publicado Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Ambassador of Cape Verde in Washington, Fatima Veiga said that the selection of the archipelago ( Cape Verde) to receive a second financial package from the program Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is the result of a implementation of the first package of $ 110 million made available to Cape Verde by USA government.
The decision was made on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 in Washington in a meeting chaired by the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
At the meeting, the new CEO of MCC, Daniel W. Yohannes emphasized the fact that " Cape Verde is the first MCC partner country to be selected as eligible for a second compact" financial package.
Mr. Yohannes also said " Cape Verde illustrates many of the characteristics of a strong partner and has consistently displayed good economic and political governance." He added that, "We look forward to building on the successes of Cape Verde's current efforts to combat poverty."
In an exclusive interview to Visaonews after the announcement by the U.S. government, Fatima Veiga said that the decision was based on positive evaluation of two essential criteria: the successful implementation of the first compact and the fulfillment of the eligibility criteria (good governance, investment in human development and promotion of economic freedom).
"First, Cape Verde was the first recipient countries to inaugurate construction of infrastructure facilities financed with funds from the MCC and the country has shown clear signs that it will end the program successfully on the established deadline which is October 2010. Secondly, Cape Verde has implemented essential reforms to improve management, effectiveness, and transparency of projects in addition to the introduction of fundamental reforms in public administration for improving investment in human resources and to foster a good business climate/practice in Cape Verde. "
The ambassador also said that the U.S. administration believes that the Cape Verde experience was positive in the implementation of the MCC and its program abroad. She highlighted the fact that the government of Benin (West Africa nation) has sent a specialized mission to Cape Verde to learn the ongoing process, particularly in the area of modernization and expansion of the port.
"The program has helped to a better integration with other development partners in Cape Verde that have made a major push in the areas such as program for improving the management/administration of ports/harbors," added Fatima Veiga.
To the Ambassador of Cape Verde in Washington, the approval of the second financial package from the program Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is also a recognition to all those involved in the process regardless of the roles.
She concluded that the decision is recognition of the role of the Cape Verdean community in the U.S.'s development and the relationship/partnership between Cape Verde and the United States.
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