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