Programs and Events
United States will provide an additional $10 million in assistance to Paraguay
President Bush received President Lugo in the White House
October 27, 2008
The meeting between President Bush and President Lugo highlighted the positive and long-standing bilateral relations that exist between the United States and Paraguay, and our governments’ joint commitment to strengthening cooperation between our two countries. The two Presidents discussed our common interests in pursuing economic growth and social justice, while fighting corruption, narcotics and other forms of illegality that undermine national development.
President Bush expressed his commitment to help Paraguay achieve its objective of a free, democratic, and prosperous country, especially in the areas of education, health, and promoting economic development. As part of this commitment, the United States will provide an additional $10 million in assistance over the next year to implement health initiatives and promote economic growth in Paraguay in support of President Lugo’s commitment to the Paraguayan people in these areas. The additional funding for USAID health programs will help to improve maternal health and to expand access to quality health care for people living in rural areas. President Bush also focused on the importance of education and the interest of the United States in exploring new initiatives to support enhanced educational opportunities for all Paraguayans.
President Bush applauded President Lugo’s efforts to combat corruption and affirmed continued U.S. support for the Government of Paraguay’s anti-corruption efforts, including those being implemented through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold Program. As MCC CEO Danilovich recently noted, “Partners like Paraguay understand why MCC considers corruption as one of the ‘hard hurdles’ that must be overcome...The fight against poverty requires the fight against corruption.” The U.S. Department of Treasury has provided technical assistance to this program, as well as to the Central Bank and special criminal investigative units of the Ministry of Finance, and the Tax and Customs offices.
The leaders also expressed a desire to expand the economic relationship between our two countries. The dialogue under the U.S.-Paraguay Joint Commission on Trade and Investment provides an existing platform to further pursue the deepening of our bilateral economic relationship. Another element of this support for Paraguay’s economic development is the successful implementation of a $95 million Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)/Citibank lending program that supports small and medium sized Paraguayan businesses.