Friday, 25 September 2009

US Donates over US$7 Million to Cambodia

Written by DAP NEWS -- Thursday, 24 September 2009
(CAAI News Media)

Cambodia and the US on Wedn-esday signed an amendment to a bilateral agreement to provide US$7.7 million in 2009 to Cambodia. The funding will support the Cambodian priorities in economic growth, a press release from US embassy said.

The fund is be used to expand USAID’s micro-, small, and medium -sized enterprise scheme and business enabling environment program, which “is alleviating poverty in rural areas by increasing the productivity of the family business,” US Ambas-sador to Cambodia Carol A. Rodley said.

“The program will has to date helped over 3,000 farmers increase their sales by 100 percent to 340 percent, allowing them to access better health care and education for their children, and opportunities to expand their businesses,” she added. The ambassador reaffirmed the will American people “to improve the life of Cambodian people through economic growth. As Cambodia’s economic growth has been increased in recent years, living standard of many Cambodians have improved,” she said. “The US is pleased to play a part in the success without economic growth program.”

“With the new funds the US looks forward to continuing our relationship with businesses, and we look forward to forming a new relationship with new businesses and working with the provinces and with all sectors,” the ambassador added.

“We are also pleased to continue supporting the Cambodian Govern-ment’s effort to improve the business climate, both to attract investment from abroad, and to ensure that the demotic business are able to full fill their competitive potentials,” she added. The agreement was signed by deputy prime minister and minister in charge of the council of ministers and US ambassador Carol A. Rodley and Flyn Fuller, USAID representative.

The fund agreement is to enhance further bilateral cooperation between the US and Cambodia , Sok An said after signing. “The fund also will contribute to … helping local people,” he added.

The US expects to commit US$61.8 million in assistance to Cambodia through USAID in 2009.

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