Abuja - Nigeria — Sao Tome and Principe has called on the ECOWAS Commission to support its resource mobilization effort through an international Donor Conference planned for July 2013 towards the implementation of the country's 2nd Generation of the National Poverty Reduction Strategy (NRPS-II).
An official delegation comprising His Excellency, Antonio Correia, the Ambassador of São Tomé & Principe and leader of the mission and Mr. Jose Salema, the UNDP Representative in the country, made the appeal during a courtesy visit on the Commission's Vice President Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh in Abuja on Monday 11th June 2013.
The delegation said the Sao Tome Government has drawn up a priority action plan for the period 2013-2016 to fast-track reduction of the country's dependence on external aid and its negative impact on the nation's economy. Mr. Salema told the Vice President that the Island nation is also desirous of involving the private sector of ECOWAS Member States in the stimulation of its economy.
In his response, Dr. McIntosh pledged the Commission's willingness to explore ways to support to the country particularly to ensure a successful donor conference. With respect to the participation of Member States' private sector operators in the country's productive sector, the Vice President welcomed the request and pledged to encourage the region's private sector to participate. He also commended the Government of Sao Tome and Principe for opening up its poverty reduction strategy to partners, adding: "we learn from each other."