At Independence in 1975, Cape Verde was one of the world's poorest countries whose index of economic vulnerability was one of the highest in the world. Yet today, many outsiders convey their appreciation for our people's resilience urging us to be proud of our achievements, that as an African nation, we are succeeding where so many others continue to fail. We are removing obstacles to implementing a culture of good governance, democratic values and human development.
Indeed, today Cape Verde is a stable democratic state that is ranked among the best countries in Africa in Human Development and Governance Indicators. Moreover, we are the most advanced towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We have attained a 100% basic education rate for all (including girls) and enrollment in secondary school is at 70%.
Cape Verde has achieved several peaceful elections and government transitions and enjoys a dynamic social system supported by a vibrant civil society that increasingly participates in the social and political life of the Nation. We are a nation in which conflicts are resolved peacefully and within the rule of law. We have a free press that is ranked by several international organizations among the best in Africa and are proud to compete on a level footing with many developed nations
Alongside investment in social capital and prudent macro-economic management of the country, stability and security remain the government's top priority. In a framework of collective security, the State of Cape Verde is a strategic partner in the struggle to guarantee security and stability in the West African region. The contribution of Cape Verde to the preservation and defence of world peace, particularly the security of the Atlantic is becoming ever more important. In June of this year, my Government was applauded for its role in hosting Steadfast Jaguar '06, the first NATO training exercise conducted in the African continent.
Despite our outstanding record in ensuring good governance and building a democratic state, Cape Verde is still a highly vulnerable country as a small island state located in the Atlantic with no natural resources. We are obliged to import as much as 85% of our food, as a result of continuous cycles of drought. We are doing our best as a people to adapt to a more competitive world and to develop our private sector. Yet, foreign direct investment (FDI) is still limited and not as responsive to our economic transformation agenda as we hoped.
The economic progress Cape Verde has made as a result of stringent financial management, sound economic policies, and zero corruption ironically may affect the country's eligibility for continued high level of development assistance. For example, Cape Verde is not eligible for the recent programs for debt relief decided by the G8 because we have always honored and serviced our national debts. Because we honor our commitments, Cape Verde is now compelled to spend more on servicing past debts than it does on education or health.
The trend to reduce development assistance to Cape Verde at the very moment when we need more and better targeted resources to help us confront new challenges will send a wrong message for the countries that are governing justly, investing in their people and following the rules. Yes, we are committed to freeing ourselves from foreign assistance but we will only achieve this with continuous support and targeted investments that will allow us to build the socio-economic infrastructure needed to achieve our vision for transformation.
As I prepare my visit to the USA, I would like to call upon the international community to send a strong message in rewarding countries that are committed to competent and transparent governance and to freedom. Cape Verde is an example that deserves to be encouraged for others to see and follow.
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I would also like to seize this opportunity to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the support of the American people. But our success so far is not enough to free our people from the threat of poverty. We continue to need the support of good friends and partners as we struggle toward sustainable economic progress. The recent award of the Millennium Challenge Account Compact is an example of the support that we need at this juncture of our development. The MCA Compact is an important part of our ongoing long term effort to foster the development of our nation and to build a better life for our children in our islands. Such programs will complement Cape Verde's long-term strategy to transform our economy and society and to become an active, competitive and responsible partner in this globalized world.
José Maria Pereira Neves is the prime minister and head of government of the Republic of Cape Verde.
