BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The overall goal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Azerbaijan is in advancing prosperity building of people and communities, Michael Nehrbass, Mission Director for USAID in Azerbaijan, told Trend.
“Over the past 30 years our bilateral partnership is reflected in USAID’s commitment of over $400 million to support Azerbaijan’s humanitarian and development needs. During my time here I hope to strengthen our partnerships with the government of Azerbaijan, donor communities, private sector, and the whole society - all in projects that will help improve the livelihood of the Azerbaijanis,” he said.
According to the mission head, both the government of Azerbaijan, and the Government of the US have shared interests.
“For example, enhancing agriculture in Azerbaijan to help diversify the non-oil economy, strengthening health system, and improving the well-being of women and youth – these are our mutual interests,” Nehrbass said.
Moreover, as the head of the mission pointed out, USAID pays close attention to the well-being of the internally displaced people in Azerbaijan.
“USAID has a very strong track record in working in Azerbaijan to assist IDPs. In early 1990’s we have provided support to over 800,000 IDPs in terms of housing, school repairs, primary healthcare, water, agriculture. We do not have any activities at the moment. At the same time, the US government regularly discusses the issue with the Azerbaijani counterparts on how we can best support the IDPs. So, this is something that is ongoing,” he added.
USAID’s general priority is on building a better environment for private sector growth with the emphasis on agriculture and tourism sectors, as well as the focus on devoting great resources on promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, Nehrbass noted.
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