[Comoros] Poverty reduction strategy to be launched

from Reuters Alert Net

JOHANNESBURG, 7 December (IRIN) - Representatives from more than 100 countries, international organisations and the private sector will be asked for financial support to help the government of Comoros improve the living standards of its people.

The Comoran Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) will be presented at a donors' conference in Mauritius on Thursday.

According to a statement from the South African Department of Foreign Affairs, the Comoran GPRS has identified seven objectives: public finance reform; economic infrastructure development; relaunching the energy sector; communications infrastructure development; strengthening governance and justice; improving the health of the population; human capital enhancement through education and vocational training; sound environment promotion and management; and security and combating terrorism.

South African President Thabo Mbeki and the Mauritian Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, will co-chair the event. The African Union Commission, South Africa and Mauritius are providing the necessary support for organising the conference.

More information on the conference can be found on: http://internationalmeetings.gov.mu and http://www.conferencedespartenaires.km