2006 press releases

USAID Signs Partnership Agreements to Increase Economic Development in Lebanon

February 16, 2006

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon signed partnership agreements with eight organizations totaling US $38 million in November 2005, to increase economic development, job opportunities and raise the standard of living in Lebanese communities. The agreements, for projects to be carried out between November 2005 and November 2007, attest to the long-term commitment of the United States to the people of Lebanon. These partnership agreements illustrate what President Bush said in his 2006 State of the Union address that, “For people everywhere, the United States is a partner for a better life.”

The eight agreements include:

Agro-business

1. Agriculture Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA) will receive $6,943,600 to strengthen the capabilities of agricultural producers, upgrade technical management capacity of small and medium agro-food businesses and facilitate integration of services providers in the targeted market chain. This will increase the efficiency of input, production, processing and marketing in the North, Bekaa and the South.

2. World Vision will receive $6,203,255 for projects in the North, Bekaa, East Sidon, Marjeyoun, Bint Jbeil, Akkar and Mount Lebanon for supporting agricultural organic products and processing.

3. Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) will receive $8,390,539 to focus on the processing and marketing of fruits, fodder (fresh animal feed) and fisheries. The grant will also be used to enhance micro-credit facilities. The target areas will be the North, Saida, Tyr and Zgharta.
4. Mercy Corps will receive $3,154,241 to increase economic opportunities in four sectors in South Lebanon: olive oil, fodder (fresh animal feed), pine nuts and beekeeping.

Tourism

5. American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) will receive $1,799,472 to increase income and generate employment by hospitality training of youth to improve the quality of cottage inns in rural areas.

6. ECODIT will receive $3,308,426 to improve tourist sites and accommodation facilities in rural areas, including the establishment of a walking mountain trail for rural tourism.

Information and Communication Technology

7. SRI International will receive $5,099,959 to improve quality control and develop labeling for branding to facilitate penetration of the international market and to establish computer business centers to help entrepreneurs and businesses in rural areas.

8. International Executive Service Corps (IESC) will receive $3,308,068 to establish wireless Internet service centers in rural areas to help businesses and provide loans to establish these centers.

From the Marshall Plan to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS, American aid has been instrumental in changing the lives of millions. The concept of partnership is a key component of all USAID programs in Lebanon. Funded by the American people, U.S. assistance underscores the American belief that every person is unique and valuable.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. USAID’s program promotes economic opportunities, job creation, good governance and environmental policies and practices in rural Lebanon. USAID provides assistance and works in partnership with U.S. and Lebanese organizations throughout the country. USAID strengthens the relationship between the people of Lebanon and the people of the United States, and promotes a shared vision of democracy and socio-economic development.

For more information about USAID’s projects in Lebanon, visit USAID’s website.