The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD), the French Agency for Development (AFD) and the European Union (EU) have signed a cooperation agreement that includes a donation of 8 million euros to the Dominican State, which will be allocated to health. Regions.

This donation will advance the Public Policy and Financial Management Strengthening Program to address the health, social and economic crisis of Covid-19.

The Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Miguel Ciara Hatton, highlighted that the cooperation initiative has been developed in close cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health and the Council of Ministers for Social Policy, implementing entities, as well as various national entities associated with this important cooperation.

In this sense, he pointed out that “this program in the field of social cooperation and health complements the efforts of the current government administration” that seeks to contribute to crystallizing measures that lead to expanding opportunities and raising quality. Basic services provided to the Dominican population at different levels and social classes.

For his part, the French Ambassador to the country, Eric Fournier, confirmed that the AFD operation comes within the framework of the government’s “Salud en Común” initiative, to support France’s partner countries to confront the coronavirus crisis.

“Specifically, for Latin America and the Caribbean, France has mobilized 800 million euros in grants and soft loans,” he said.

While the EU ambassador, Katja Aveldt, said this entity as a whole advocates putting people and the planet first.

The signing of the agreement was led by the Minister of Economy, Planning and Development Miguel Ceará Hatton, the EU Ambassador, Katia Avoldt, the French Ambassador to the country, Eric Fournier, and the Director. From the AFD’s “Three Oceans” division, Charles Troutmann, AFD’s “Atlantic” regional director, Philippe La Cognata and the agency’s director in Santo Domingo, Sandra Kassab.

Deputy Minister for International Cooperation at MEPyD, Olaya Onfina Dotel, Director General of the Council for Social Policy, Juan Francisco Peña Guaba; Likewise, as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Supérate Program, the Director of Social Benefits and the Unique System of Beneficiaries.