Press Releases
USAID Official to Visit Projects in Croatia
For Immediate Release
June 13, 2005
Zagreb, Croatia, June 13, 2005 - Thomas Mefford, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will be in Croatia June 12 - 15 to visit projects here that have received funding from the United States Government through USAID.
During his visit, Mr. Mefford will meet with University of Rijeka officials to discuss its joint Public Administration Program with Cleveland State University, which was established with USAID funding. Mr. Mefford will also tour a Metals Products Manufacturer in Pula that has received U.S. government assistance through USAID's $20 million small and medium enterprise program.
In Split, Mr. Mefford will meet with Asset Management officials to discuss assistance received under USAID's $19 million local government reform program. In addition, Mr. Mefford will visit an Agribusiness project in Metkovic that is also receiving assistance from USAID as part of a $17 million program.
USAID is the primary assistance organization of the United States Government. Since 1992, the United States has provided over $407 million to Croatia (much of it through USAID programs) to strengthen democratic institutions and assist in postwar reconstruction and the return of refugees, to support de-mining and economic development, and to provide educational and training opportunities. The U.S. has also provided guidance and support to the Croatian judicial and military sectors to further Croatia's integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions.