The Government of Dominica and officials of the Delegation of the European Commission to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean will undertake a Mid-Term Review of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Country Strategy agreed in December 2008.
The Review is being undertaken within the context of the present downturn in the global economy, which has left small open economies such as Dominica even more vulnerable to the most severe economic challenges.
The objectives of the Mid-Term Review are to reflect on developments in the country brought on by internal, regional or international events and therefore present the possibility for a change in priorities.
Under the 10th EDF, Dominica has been allocated 5.1M Euro (EC$20.8M), of which 80% is being allocated to a Macroeconomic General Budget Support Programme and the rest for NAO support, a Technical Cooperation Facility and for additional support to the None State Actors.
The Mid-term Review also serves to enhance policy coherence and joint programming with the EU member states, mainstream aid effectiveness and to review governance issues in light of the commitments undertaken by the Government under the 10th EDF.
In addition to the Mid-Term Review the two co-operation partners will also undertake a Country Portfolio Review (CPR), of the most critical programmes and projects. These include the 9th EDF Private Sector and Growth Budget Sector Support Programme, the Dominica Air Access Airport Improvement Programme, The Waitukubuli National Trail and discussions of the preparation for the 10th EDF programme. Both the MTR and the CPR will be opened to participation from the relevant ministries, agencies and project implementation units, as well as Non-State Actors.
The Delegation and the Government will also be meeting with the Non-State Actors panel.
The EU is Dominica’s most significant grant aid donor. The project portfolio features agricultural and economic diversification initiatives including programmes for the development of a vibrant ICT sector, improved infrastructure and framework for Tourism a Technical Co-operation Facility, and banana commercialisation activities. Significant support from the EU is also directed for social and community development, including measures to assist in re-tooling and re-positioning of displaced banana farmers in other sectors of the economy. A considerable amount of financial support is also provided for social programmes and social safety net initiatives. These funds are being used to expedite the ongoing restructuring of the banana sector, to help it become more viable in an increasingly competitive international market as well as to favour diversification and provide a social safety net for uncompetitive farmers.
