IP/02/1217
Brussels, 16 August 2002
Republic of Suriname: European Commission agrees EUR 19.1 million Cooperation Programme
The European Commission and the Government of Suriname have agreed a Country Strategy document worth €19.1 million for the period 2002-2007. The cooperation strategy is based on the principles of partnership and ownership enshrined in the EU-ACP Cotonou Agreement, signed in June 2000. This programme serves as a framework for relations with Suriname, covering all aspects of aid to the country. The main objective is to support the government's efforts to reduce poverty through sustainable economic and social development. The main focus of the funds will be on the transport sector.
The intervention in the Transport Sector will address the improvement of selected transport facilities such as the Port of Paramaribo, transport policy and institutional capacity building. Furthermore, there will be strengthening of the public and private sectors to promote trade and regional integration. Out of the total €19.1 million, an amount of €1.1 million is earmarked for unforeseen needs such as emergency assistance, contributions to internationally agreed debt relief activities and support to mitigate adverse effects of instability in export earnings.
In addition, under the Country Strategy Paper, Suriname could also benefit from the Investment Facility in support of private enterprise, which is managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB). Further it could benefit from the technical services provided by the Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE) and the various European Commission Budget Lines, e.g. NGO co-financing, environment, human rights etc.
Country Strategy Papers were introduced in 2001 as part of a wider programme of the Commission reforms in external assistance. Their purpose is to improve the coherence of the policy toward third countries, particularly to ensure a match between political priorities and spending on development assistance. Country Strategy Papers are developed in collaboration with national Governments, EU Member States, other donors and Civil Society.
