DHAKA: The European Union (EU) Development Cooperation Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2014-2020 aims to assist Bangladesh in promoting a more equitable growth and improving democratic governance.

Accordingly, the EU has committed 118-million euros (Tk 11.80-crore) as grants to strengthen democratic ownership and accountability mechanisms; reduce food insecurity and malnutrition and support an inclusive, demand-driven and interlinked skills development system.

The EU delegation to Bangladesh issued a press release, signed by Senior Programme Officer (Media and Communication) Anjum Aziz, in this regard.

Three programs were adopted, as follows: the “Platforms for Dialogue Project - Strengthening Inclusion and Participation in Decision Making and Accountability Mechanisms in Bangladesh”; The "Food and Nutrition Security program for Bangladesh 2015”; and The "Skills 21 - Empowering citizens for inclusive and sustainable growth" program.

Head of EU Delegation to Bangladesh ambassador Pierre Mayaudon stated, “The people of Bangladesh are at the heart of these interventions, with a particular attention to women, girls, youth and most vulnerable groups”.

“In line with the 7th 5-Year Plan, our ambition is to contribute to eradicating poverty and building a more inclusive society,” he added.

The first program will assist the government and civil society organisations in their mutual efforts to achieve a more inclusive, transparent and accountable system of governance in the country.

The second program will improve maternal and child nutrition with three main pillars: 1) consolidating a national nutrition-sensitive policy framework, 2) addressing stunting in two districts of Sylhet Division - one of the most critical undernutrition areas in the country - and 3) developing replicable solutions to deliver nutrition services and mobilise communities in other parts of the country.

The third program will support an overall reform of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) sector, which will allow a comprehensive and coherent policy framework and improve employment opportunities according to the labour market' needs, says the release.

BDST: 2010 HRS, JAN 06, 2016
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