AMBASSADOR HODGES' FIRST TRIP IN ECUADOR HIGHLIGHTS BREADTH

UNCLAS QUITO 000920 SIPDIS FAS/OCBD FOR PAT SHEIKH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ETRD EC SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR HODGES' FIRST TRIP IN ECUADOR HIGHLIGHTS BREADTH OF U.S. ECONOMIC AID ¶1. (U) Summary: On September 3-4, the Ambassador traveled to the provinces of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi in central Ecuador. Ambassador Hodges delivered her first speech in Ambato, the largest city in Ecuador's central Sierra, and used several other events to showcase the range of USG economic support for this region. The trip attracted significant press coverage, and the Ambassador was warmly received at every stop. End Summary. ¶2. (U) By choosing Ambato, the capital of Tungurahua, for her first trip, the Ambassador emphasized U.S. connections to ordinary Ecuadorians. The Ambassador's first public speech was before CEDET, a national grouping of regional private-public development agencies that seek, with USAID support, to create a positive business climate in Ecuador. The press coverage noted the speech's focus on the long-standing close relationship between the U.S. and Ecuador and the breadth of ongoing cooperation. ¶3. (U) The Ambassador visited a series of projects in the region supported by USAID and USDA's PL-480 program, accompanied by media coverage to highlight the extent of U.S. support for regional development projects. She also visited Ecuador's largest broccoli exporter and a large flower farm, two labor-intensive businesses that benefit under the Andean Trade Preferences Act and highlight Ecuador's ability to develop new export products. ¶4. (U) Comment: In a quick visit to Ecuador's central Sierra region, the Ambassador was able to highlight the breadth and depth of our cooperation with Ecuador, the USG's ability to deliver projects that help ordinary Ecuadorians throughout the country, and the benefits of working with the private sector through trade-based programs to create good jobs for Ecuadorians. CHRITTON