EU cooperation framework for 2002-2007 with Belize

Sumario: August 14, 2002: Belize: Commission adopts new cooperation framework for 2002-2007 (Brussels)

The European Commission has adopted its cooperation strategy with Belize for 2002-2007. This document is based on the principles of the EU-ACP Cotonou Agreement signed in June 2000. An amount of €8.8 million will be mobilised from the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) for the programme. The overriding objective is to reduce poverty in Belize, affecting today one third of the population. Of the total amount available, €7.8 million is set aside for supporting rural development and agricultural diversification as well as overall capacity building of the public administration. The remaining €1 million is destined to cover unforeseen needs such as emergency assistance, contributions to internationally agreed debt relief initiatives or support to mitigate adverse effects of instability in export earnings.

With a view to effectively addressing the high incidents of poverty, especially in rural areas, the country strategy focuses on two main strategic components:

Capacity strengthening for enhanced decentralised partnership with local communities and marginalized groups, by improving municipal and village governance and development planning at local level.
Development of the productive sector with effective participation of private business. For micro and small business, the sectors with the greatest potential at present include non-traditional exports, aqua-culture, eco-tourism, livestock, agro-processing and agro-forestry.

As well as resources from the 9th EDF, Belize may also receive financial assistance from the "Investment Facility" managed by the European Investment Bank. In addition, Belize is a beneficiary of regional funds allocated to the Caribbean, specific European Commission budget lines (NGO co-financing, food security, emergency aid and disaster prevention, environmental protection, etc) and trade-specific operations to facilitate Belize's full participation in international and regional trade fora and agreements.

The country strategy for the 9th EDF emanates from a consultative process including the central and local authorities, civil society and the private sector in Belize. This dialogue identified the political, economic and social challenges facing this country, analysed the Government policies at macro and sector level, studied the programmes being implemented by other partners in development and took into consideration the comparative advantage enjoyed by the EU in its assistance programme in Belize.

The Commission is one of Belize's most important development partners. Between 1974 and 2001 Belize has been allocated more than €93 million from the EU.

http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/strat_papers/index_fr.htm

Ref: EC02-163EN
Fuente UE: Comisión Europea
Foro NU:
Fecha: 14/8/2002

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