Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
January 30, 2008
U.S. Commits Funding For Labor and Environmental Protection for Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement CountriesThe United States will commit $39.6 million of FY 2007 funds to help countries in the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) enhance labor and environmental protection practices. The new funding will complement activities underway that received $19.84 million in FY 2005 and $39.6 million in FY 2006. These activities, both local and regional in scope, were identified in consultation with partner governments to ensure they address each country’s priorities.
$20.3 million will support initiatives to:
- Strengthen labor ministries by improving the structure and functioning of inspectorates and increasing the efficiency of the complaint handling process;
- Strengthen judicial systems to improve effectiveness in enforcing existing labor laws;
- Eliminate gender and other types of discrimination in the workplace;
- Enhance benchmarking and verification procedures;
- Promote the development of a culture of compliance with labor laws.
$19.3 million will support initiatives to:
- Improve the environmental, legal, and regulatory structures as well as ensure effective implementation and enforcement of environmental laws;
- Enhance biodiversity and conservation;
- Promote market-based conservation activities such as sustainable tourism and sustainable agricultural and forest products;
- Increase private sector environmental performance;
- Address specific CAFTA-DR obligations that promote meaningful public participation and effective enforcement of environmental laws.
2008/071
Released on January 30, 2008
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