Over $1 million in grants for development projects in Colombia

(June 3, 2011).- The president & CEO of CAF - Latin American development bank - Enrique García signed non-reimbursable technical cooperation agreements for a total of US$1.24 million focused on institutional social action and research projects.

"We have concentrated on partnerships and programs which stimulate an integrated development agenda for Colombia. In this respect we are working closely with leading institutions and foundations to help us achieve the planned results," García said.

The following agreements were signed (by date):

• Non-reimbursable technical cooperation agreements with the Ministry of Transport and the National Institute of Concessions (INCO): including US$540,000 for analysis and planning of the institutional reorganization of the transport sector, where one of the most important objectives is the transformation of INCO into the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI). Funds to strengthen Colombian transport sector
• Framework agreement with Fedesarrollo: to stimulate joint activities among academics and public policymakers with the objective of training, applied research and policy study in favor of the sustainable development and integration of Latin America. Agreement signed with Fedesarrollo for joint research on regional sustainable development
• Technical cooperation grant for US$150,000 for Colombianitos Foundation: To improve the quality of life of girls, boys and young people at risk using sport as a tool for social prevention and rescue. Children bring CAF and Colombianitos together
• Framework agreement and US$100,000 technical cooperation grant for Colombian Council of International Relations (CORI): CAF will back the study of issues related to the international participation of Colombia and Latin America. As a first concrete action the two institutions agreed to execute the project "Participation in the Asia-Pacific: Multilateral Scenarios and Bilateral Relations of Interest for Latin America and Colombia." Support for Colombia’s international participation
• Technical cooperation grant for US$304,000 in favor of the Foundation for the Care of Children (FAN): to improve care for 4,218 children aged under six in vulnerable areas. The children will be integrated into the Education Ministry’s institutional environment program through implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as tools to enhance skills and improve learning. Improving education to combat inequality
• Framework agreement and US$150,000 technical cooperation grant for Corona Foundation: to adopt the measures needed to coordinate, cooperate, complement, facilitate and support economic and social development initiatives in Colombia, with the objective of making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people living in adverse situations. Tackling poverty and inequality is a priority

Before his departure, García said "the granting of non-reimbursable funds by CAF is an important tool for assisting nations and facilitating investment projects favoring the competitiveness of productive chains, building social capital and improving the management capacity of institutions."