Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct.12 / Trend, S.Dadashova /
The European Commission has adopted a programme to reduce poverty, foster sustainable development and support the democratic reform process in Azerbaijan, ENPI Info Centre reported.
The programme would bolster the country's efforts towards gradual European integration.
The new programme includes two actions, namely: a dedicated Sector Budget Support programme amounting to €20 million to help the Azerbaijani government reduce poverty and foster sustainable development in the country. In particular, this programme aims to improve the business climate and boost business opportunities in rural areas, for example improve access to small loans in rural regions (including for internally displaced people - IDPs).
A programme worth €11 million to build the institutional capacity of selected public administration institutions through measures such as training, providing expertise and improving administration procedures. It will also help implement reforms under the current EU-Azerbaijan agreements and under the future Association Agreement, which is currently being negotiated, in areas such as political dialogue, justice, freedom and security, as well as trade and cooperation in sectoral policies.
The new programme is part of the 2012 Annual Action Plan for Azerbaijan, which is worth €31 million and covers socio-economic reforms and sustainable development - particularly targeting the agricultural and rural development sectors - as well as good governance and support to institutional reforms.
Overall, the EU has made around €475 million available to Azerbaijan in bilateral assistance and support from 1992 to 2010. The assistance was upgraded to €122.5 million for the period 2011-2013 to help implement the Eastern Partnership programmes.