PRESIDENT'S GOALS FOR MADAGASCAR IN 2008

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000085 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E PASS TO USAID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV EAID MA SUBJECT: PRESIDENT'S GOALS FOR MADAGASCAR IN 2008 REF: ANTANANARIVO 84 ¶1. At several of the New Years celebrations that customarily take place throughout the month of January in Madagascar, President Ravalomanana announced his three main goals for Madagascar's sustainable development in 2008. Insisting he has no intention to stay in the Presidency for a long time, he announced the time has arrived to move from a subsistence economy to a market economy. ¶2. First, the President wants Madagascar to achieve seven to eight percent economic growth. To attain this goal, the Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Industry will move forward aggressively in its economic outreach, with an emphasis on private-public partnerships. The President referenced recently passed legislation, namely an investment code and a law on export processing zones (REF),designed to protect investments. He also pointed to the upcoming Madagascar Bank of Construction and Development (MBCD),which will provide financial support to entrepreneurs and artisans. ¶3. The second goal for the year is rural development, to be achieved by doubling food production by 2009 and tripling it by ¶2012. This will involve improving seed quality, establishing irrigation channels, accessing water supplies, and forming farmer cooperatives. Madagascar will seek agricultural technology transfer from countries like China, Indonesia and Japan, for more efficient production. ¶4. The third main goal is poverty reduction. This will be achieved through increased agricultural productivity, the revival of community involvement and job creation for youth. The 22 Regional Chiefs will have particular responsibility for making progress in this area, measured in terms of numerous human development and standard of living indices. SIBLEY