Regional Workshop for ACP takes place in Paramaribo
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Regional Workshop for ACP takes place in Paramaribo |
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Contact: The Director Caribbean Regional Workshop for ACP National and Regional Authorizing Officers, Non-Static Actors, EC Heads of Delegation and Advisors, Representatives of the European Commission and European Investment Bank The Caribbean Regional Workshop for ACP National and Regional Authorizing Officers, Non-State Actors, EC Heads of Delegations and Advisors, Representatives of the European Commission (EC) and European Investment Bank (EIB) took place in Paramaribo, Suriname, during the period 20 — 23 March 2004. The joint section of the workshop was chaired by H.E. Hon. Kermechend Raghoebarsing, National Authorizing Officer for Suriname and Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation of Suriname. Mr. Wilfred Pierre, National Authorizing Officer for St. Lucia was appointed as vice chair person. The workshop focused on the following crucial issues regarding the implementation of the Cotonou Agreement with a view to enhancing its impact on the sustainable development of the ACP States:
After substantive deliberations, the Workshop agreed on the need to actively involve all stakeholders in the implementation of the provisions of the Cotonou Agreement and the importance of better focusing programmes financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) on poverty alleviation and the promotion of sustainable development in the ACP countries. The need to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each party in the deconcentration process and the importance of enhancing capacities of NAO offices, including line-Ministries were set as strategic priorities in efforts to efficiently utilize and disburse EDF resources. The NAO’s re-emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination as a way of ensuring the effective and speedy implementation of the Cotonou Agreement. In addition, the strategic nature of the Mid-Term Review in relation to the core objectives of the Agreement was highlighted. The workshop stressed the political aspect of the proposal to integrate the EDF into the overall EU budget and the need for continued dialogue on this important issue. The workshop further identified the need to foster the use of national and regional technical assistance to ensure sustainability and long-term capacity building in ACP countries as a key priority. All participants agreed to put this crucial objective into practice. Training on the new 9th EDF financial procedures was recognized as one key factor in improving project implementation. Furthermore, the participants exchanged views on how to ensure that the Investment Facility (IF), the main instrument for supporting the private sector in ACP States, achieves its objectives as enshrined in the Cotonou Agreement. The meeting also agreed upon the importance of in-depth political dialogue between the ACP States and EU Member States on the importance of maintaining the privileged relationship that has long characterized ACP-EU relations. The highlight of the meeting was the official launching of a user’s guide for Non-State Actors by the ACP Secretariat. The main purpose of the user guide is to inform Civil Society Organizations, economic and social partners and the Private Sector in ACP Countries on the most important features of the Cotonou Agreement and to provide practical guidance on how and under what conditions Non-State Actors can participate in ACP EU Cooperation. The meeting concluded with the common agreement that frank and genuine dialogue based on mutual respect and transparency was the best way of ensuring that the Cotonou Agreement has a positive impact upon the sustainable development of the ACP States and that such dialogue should be enhanced. The following persons from St. Lucia attended the meeting: • Wilfred Pierre - NAO St. Lucia • Techla Deterville - President of the Chamber of Commerce • Tracy Polius - Ministry of Finance • Medford Francis - Office of the NAO • Hilary Regis - Office of the NAO • Lawrence Poyotte - Chairman - Poverty Reduction Fund |
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