New development contract signed
Pape’ete (PINA Nius Online) – The new development contract between French Polynesia and France has been signed. The emphasis includes economic development, training, management of territorial structures, health care, security, and cultural development.
Georges Puchon, Minister of Economy, representing French Polynesia, and General Secretary Christian Massinon, representing France, signed the 2000-2003 development contract.
The local government, in the application of the new pact, intends to continue the objectives set by the preceding 1994-1999 contract.
This time, 40.75 billion CFP have been invested in this second development contract. Half of the funds were provided by France and the other half by the territory.
However, the following four main strategic lines of development are to be considered whereby “a well-balanced economic development would reinforce social cohesion and where cultural values would be preserved,” the French Polynesia Government said.
* 17.534 billion CFP will be allocated to prioritize economic development, particularly through employment and better professional training. (43%)
* 8.842 billion CFP will be allocated in the management of territorial structures by preserving the environment and developing natural resources. (21.6%)
* 13.821 billion CFP will help carrying better health care security, social cohesion as well as cultural development. (34%)
* 400 million CFP will be allocated to continue administrative decentralization. (1%)
*153 million CFP will help in the follow-up and communication. (0.4%)
Mr. Puchon said: “We feel that the funds provided by the contract are insufficient. We had the opportunity to discuss again the terms of the contract, but it would have led the negotiations further in time and we have already lost one year.”
