Promoting Economic Growth
These women are part of a USAID program that provides work opportunities for women in Afghanistan. While the women here still count on wheat from the United States, many bakeries are already considering options for becoming financially self sufficient.
USAID ECONOMIC GROWTH PROGRAMS
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, East Timor,
Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mongolia,
Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam,
West Bank/Gaza and Yemen
CONTACTS
James Walker
Senior Economist
Tel: (202) 712-4043
Email: jwalker@usaid.gov
William Buttefield
Economist
Tel: (202) 712-1489
Email:wbutterfield@usaid.gov
Overview
High poverty rates plague most of the Asia and Near East Region. This is largely the result of slow economic growth, which, in turn, is the result of poor economic institutions, limited access to technology, high rates of unemployment and low rates of investment. USAID undertakes economic growth programs in the region to help overcome these problems. Economic growth is an integral part of U.S. foreign policy goals.
Programs
BUILDING STRONG ECONOMIC POLICIES AND INSTITUTIONS
Inefficient policies, weak institutions and corruption hamper growth in the region. USAID works with governments to improve business law; reform banks, ministries and other institutions; and strengthen fiscal and monetary policies. In Afghanistan USAID is working to establish sound economic governance by economic ministries and agencies. In Egypt, USAID is supporting a commission set up by the Government of Egypt with the objective of modernizing commercial law.
INVESTING IN TRADE, TECHNOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE
Increased trade and information and communication technology (ICT) benefit both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. USAID supports trade agreements as well as laws that help companies become more competitive internationally. USAID has been assisting Morocco and Jordan to benefit from their free trade agreements with the United States and to join the World Trade Organization. In Egypt USAID is establishing the legal and regulatory framework for efficient ICT. In Indonesia, USAID is working to improve the agribusiness systems for high value agriculture products and supermarket supply chains.
INCREASING ACCESS TO CREDIT
Access to credit is minimal in most of the region. This makes it difficult to start and expand businesses. Many of USAID’s programs focus on the banking and legal system to increase the amount of credit available to private businesses. This is especially important for micro, small and medium businesses to create jobs and income for the poor. In Indonesia, for example, USAID works to reform the banking industry. In Morocco, programs to reform financial markets have focused on financing for small businesses.
STRENGTHENING PROPERTY RIGHTS
According to the Heritage Foundation, property rights scores in the region are mediocre at best. Owning property is an important prerequisite for lending. In Afghanistan, where property registration has suffered from neglect and destruction of property titles, USAID has helped create electronic filing systems and train staff. This gives people verifiable documents and reduces fraud. In East Timor, where four major transitions have occurred in the last 50 years, USAID has helped draft laws to resolve conflicts and clarify land and property rights.
Back to Top ^
|
