Released in Phnom Penh,September 28, 2010
The United States Government and the Royal Government of Cambodia will sign an amendment to their bilateral agreement on September 29 that will provide $16.44 million in 2010 funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support Cambodian priorities in economic growth, food security, and global climate change. Under the amendment, the Royal Government of Cambodia will provide $425,000 of in-kind support.
The U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, Carol A. Rodley, will attend the ceremony and sign as a witness. Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Sok An, and USAID Mission Director, Flynn Fuller, will sign on behalf of their respective governments.
The funds will be used to support USAID’s ongoing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 2/ Business Enabling Environment (MSME 2/BEE) program, which will continue support for alleviating poverty in rural areas by increasing the productivity of family businesses. To date, MSME 2/BEE has helped over 3,800 farmers and small business owners increase their sales by 100%-340%, allowing them to access better health care, educate their children, and expand their businesses. The project is implemented by Development Alternatives, Inc.
This bilateral agreement also provides funds to support USAID’s new 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.
In addition to economic growth, the United States supports a broad range of programs designed to benefit all Cambodians, including programs in health, education, human rights, rule of law, anti-corruption, and combating trafficking in persons. The United States, through USAID, expects to commit $69 million in development assistance to Cambodia in 2010.
