• Sunday, 22 December 2024

Besimi-Dible: Continued U.S. support in fight against corruption, reducing informal economy

Besimi-Dible: Continued U.S. support in fight against corruption, reducing informal economy
Skopje 6 October 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia has received continued support from the United States via USAID in the implementation of Euro-Atlantic integration-related reforms, agreed Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi, United States Chargé d’Affaires Eric Meyer and the new USAID Country Representative Jeri Dible on Thursday. Besimi and Dible exchanged the agreements on the fourth amendment of the Development Partnership Grant Agreement, part of the four-year partnership programme worth US$ 56,5 million. The amendment makes available US$ 23,4 million for improvement of competitiveness, reducing enlargement barriers at the Euro-Atlantic markets and promotion of energy security, increasing youth engagement and their active role in the country’s development, as well as reducing corruption and stimulating a culture of responsibility, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release. Besimi expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for the continued provision of significant support in the implementation of activities focused on economic growth and stability, as well as strengthening of the institutions’ democratic capacities. To date, USAID has invested US$ 840 million in North Macedonia’s development and remains committed to the country’s support in the realization of its vision for further Euro-Atlantic integration.