PROGRAM EVALUATION: FY-2005 MRP: ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

UNCLAS LIMA 004819 SIPDIS DEPT FOR ECA/PE/V/M (IZSOLDOS, DTHOMPSON),INFO ECA/PE/V/R/W (EWILKES-SCOTT, DKEFFER),WHA/PDA (SLEBENS), WHA/AND (JMONSERRATE) E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO PE SUBJECT: PROGRAM EVALUATION: FY-2005 MRP: ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AND THE WORLD ECONOMY {E/VM-2005-0030}- JUNE 23-JULY 14, 2005 - Peruvian IV Rafael PARRA Erkel ¶1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY: The program was designed to examine the scope and influence of electronic commerce in the national and global economy; review the U.S. economic system, current trends and economic policies, and the current efforts of government and business to promote electronic commerce; explore various legal and policy issues relating to electronic commerce; examine how e-government is helping transform government and changing the relationship between government and citizens. ¶2. DATE, FISCAL YEAR AND QUARTER: June 23-July 14, 2005, FY-05; Third Quarter. ¶3. MISSION PERFORMANCE PLAN THEME: Economic Growth and Development (Electronic Commerce.) ¶4. RESULT/IMPACT: Useful, positive. ¶5. AUDIENCE REACHED: Twenty-three participants Worldwide from Bulgaria, Eritrea, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Oman, Nigeria, Senegal, Thailand, Tunisia, Vietnam, among others. Upon return, IV Parra has shared the information obtained in the program with his Peruvian counterparts and colleagues who are experts on the theme. ¶6. OFFICER INTERPRETERS: IV Parra highly praised the Escort/ Interpreters' professionalism, Robert Dale Hajek, Irwin Kern and Suzanne Gainsbourg, and was appreciative of their patience, friendliness, and great assistance during the whole program. ¶7. QUALITY OF SUPPORT FROM ECA: Program was funded with FY-05 IV allocation. Kudos to Department of State PO Ms. Isabelle Zsoldos, and Ms. Azza Zaki; and Ms. Sanda Chao of the Academy for Educational Development, for their excellent organization, coordination, and for briefing our participant on every program detail. ¶8. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM: Everything was positive, lectures, meetings, free time, and interpreter's translations. IV mentioned that "what is really important about these programs is the network we start with colleagues, their friendship and rapport among all participants, that is lasting to the present." -- He had a balanced program in every city visited, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Research Triangle, and Denver. ¶9. LONG-TERM RESULTS: IV Parra has learned a lot about the U.S. economic policy, U.S. citizens, their pleasant manners with foreigners, and their dedication to plan their progress and long- term development. Mr. Parra mentioned these values should be taken into account and he encourages efforts to introduce them into Peruvian society. IV PARRA would like to recommend the following professionals for a future digital video conference: -- The owners of PEAPOD Company, for their innovation and perseverance in their logistic business through internet; -- Professor Michael Rappa, of North Carolina State University, for his academic point of view on information and communications technology applied to business; -- Executive Directors of the North Carolina E-NC project, given that their projects resemble the ones Peru is developing in rural areas, connecting to the internet, and community development through information and communication technologies. ¶10. COMMENTS: -- Hotels were fine, and well located; except for the hotel in Research Triangle, which was far from the sites they visited. -- IV Parra would recommend the program have at least four more days, in order to thoroughly discuss some issues of interest in each city. -- IV felt assistance received at Lima Post was courteous, precise, and friendly. Mr. Parra received all the necessary information on time. STRUBLE