U.S. Provides US$20.3 million for Economic Growth of Cambodia

[AKP]

November 2, 2011 – The United States Government and the Royal Government of Cambodia signed here on Wednesday an amendment to their bilateral agreement that will provide US$20.3 million in 2011 funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to Cambodia.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers H.E. Sok An and USAID Mission Director Mr. Flynn Fuller signed the amendment on behalf of their respective governments under the witness of U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Mr. Jeff Daigle.

The assistance will support Cambodian priorities in economic growth, food security, and global climate change, said to a U.S. Embassy’s press release yesterday.

Under the amendment, the Royal Government of Cambodia will provide US$425,000 in-kind support, it said.

According to the press release, this bilateral agreement provides funds to support USAID’s Helping Address Rural Vulnerabilities and Ecosystem Stability (HARVEST) Program that will support the Royal Government of Cambodia’s national development strategy by enhancing agricultural production, developing post-harvest management capacity, increasing access to food, and preparing the country to adapt to climate change.

HARVEST will also strengthen the ability of civil society, the private sector, and the government to address food security and climate change challenges in Cambodia. HARVEST will contribute to achieving the goals of the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future and the Global Climate Change Initiatives.

The project’s implementing partner is Fintrac, Inc. The funds will be also used to support USAID’s ongoing economic growth program for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 2/ Business Enabling Environment (MSME2/BEE), which will continue support for alleviating poverty in rural areas by increasing the productivity of family businesses. To date, MSME2/BEE has helped over 6,000 farmers and small business owners increase sales by 100%-340%, allowing them to access better health care, educate their children, and expand their businesses. The project’s implementing partner is Development Alternatives, Inc.

In addition to economic growth, food security and global climate change, the United States supports a broad range of programs designed to benefit all Cambodians, including programs in health, education, human rights, rule of law, good governance, and combating trafficking in persons. USAID expected to provide a total of 64.87 million in assistance to Cambodia in 2011.