26 April 2008
Ndola — THE United States government through United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has given, a grant of US$71 million as financial support for successful execution of Zambia 's national strategic plans.
US Ambassador to Zambia Carmen Martinez, said the funds were meant to enhance Zambia's financial sector to economic growth and increased food security.
The USAID, through its framework of successive country strategic plans, also disbursed more than $160 million as financial assistance in the fiscal year 2007/2008.
Ms Martinez said yesterday that her government would support Zambia's Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) to help Zambia accomplish her 2030 Vision of becoming a middle-income country.
Ms Martinez made the remarks at Pamodzi hotel in Lusaka during the celebration of the 30 years of USAID and Zambia partnership programmes.
Since 1977, USAID had been working with the Zambian Government through food aid, economic growth and community health.
It is also administering US initiatives, among them the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative and the Millennium Challenge Account.
Ms Martinez said the USAID would assist in fighting poverty, promoting a liberalised economy and responding to emerging development challenges.
And speaking ealier, Finance and National Planning Minister, Ng'andu Magande, reiterated Government's commitment to end misuse of developmental funds.
Mr Magande said the Government would always make the fight against corruption one of the top priorities along with fostering economic growth.
He said the funds from bilateral cooperation had been helpful to Zambia's economic sectors.
"It is worth noting that development co-operation between Zambia and the USAID has been very productive. This is evidenced by higher agricultural production, fertility rates and rural incomes. We are very grateful for the good work you are doing and we wish for a long fruitful relationship," Mr Magande said
He said the conducive environment from the cooperating partners had resulted into attracting new numerous investments in the country's various sectors of the economy
And USAID country director, Melissa Williams, said the USAID would always continue to strengthen a strong partnership with Zambia through technical assistance.
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