EU increase funding for Pukapuka cyclone centre
A signing ceremony took place on Monday between the Cook Islands Government and the European Union for funding of an additional 600,000 Euros towards Pukapuka cyclone Management Centre project.
“This important project will be completed in March 2012 and fulfils the Government’s goal of building resilience to natural disasters in the Outer Islands, said Minister of Finance and Economic Management Hon Mark Brown.
Ahead of the signing ceremony, Minister Brown and EU Head of Delegation, Abdoul-Aziz M’Baye said the funding follows a favourable mid-term review of the Cook Islands EU programme in 2010.
“The Government wishes to express its appreciation of the EU’s commitment to Outer Islands Development and looks forward to continuing its fruitful partnership with the EU through General Budget support (GBS). A Technical Cooperation Facility (TCF) has and will continue to assist the country make the transition from the prevalent project approach to general budget support.”
GBS here is the transfer of financial resources of an external financing agency (EU) to the National Treasury of a partner country, following respect by the partner country to agreed conditions for payment. The financial resources received form part of the total resources (Budget) of the partner country, and are used in accordance with the public financial management (PFM) system of the Cook Islands.
The European Union (EU) has provided development funding to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries since 1958 through the European Development Fund (EDF). The Cook Islands signed up the EU-ACP Partnership agreement (Cotonou) on 23 June 2000.
In 2003-2007, the country received €3.5million for Outer Islands development and has received an additional €920,000 for the Pukapuka Cyclone Management Centre in 2011-12.
Under its latest agreement with the EU the Cook Islands also has water and sanitation as its focal sector with an allocation of €3.3million in two envelopes from 2008-2013. €2.55m will be programmed for GBS.
Minister Brown said the signing with the EU models the emphasis that the Cook Islands government is placing on fostering effective partnerships with development partners as reflected by its hosting of a second Donor Roundtable Meeting this year.

Herald Issue 554 09 March
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