October13, 2005

Representative Gregory W. Meeks
Negotiates Commitment to Support Plan Pacifico from President of Colombia

(WASHINGTON, DC) During a recent trip to Colombia, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) received commitments from President lvaro Uribe Vlez to support phase II of Plan Pacifico, which concentrates investment on Colombia's Pacific Coast, an area that is heavily inhabited by African-Colombian communities. Historically marginalized in their own country, African-Colombians comprise 26% of the population and are the third largest group of Africans living outside of Africa after Brazil and the United States. Funds from Plan Pacifico will be used for trade capacity building, infrastructure development and economic relief in African-Colombian communities including helping to develop ports, build
roads and bridges, and stimulate job creation.

Congressman Meeks, President Uribe and Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. (LUIS) Moreno agreed to partner with international financing institutions to secure additional funding for the Plan. The Congressman vowed to work with the government of Colombia to help provide resources to underserved African-Colombian communities.

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