31 January 2008
U.S. Supports Funding for Provisions of Caribbean Trade Pact
Commits millions to support trade-related labor, environmental initiatives
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U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
January 30, 2008
MEDIA NOTE
U.S. Commits Funding For Labor and Environmental Protection for Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement Countries
The United States will commit $39.6 million of FY 2007 funds to help countries in the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) enhance labor and environmental protection practices. The new funding will complement activities underway that received $19.84 million in FY 2005 and $39.6 million in FY 2006. These activities, both local and regional in scope, were identified in consultation with partner governments to ensure they address each country’s priorities.
$20.3 million will support initiatives to:
• Strengthen labor ministries by improving the structure and functioning of inspectorates and increasing the efficiency of the complaint handling process;
• Strengthen judicial systems to improve effectiveness in enforcing existing labor laws;
• Eliminate gender and other types of discrimination in the workplace;
• Enhance benchmarking and verification procedures;
• Promote the development of a culture of compliance with labor laws.
$19.3 million will support initiatives to:
• Improve the environmental, legal, and regulatory structures as well as ensure effective implementation and enforcement of environmental laws;
• Enhance biodiversity and conservation;
• Promote market-based conservation activities such as sustainable tourism and sustainable agricultural and forest products;
• Increase private sector environmental performance;
• Address specific CAFTA-DR obligations that promote meaningful public participation and effective enforcement of environmental laws.
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
