The training is being delivered by specialist trainers from Europe: Fabrice Ferrandes, Guillaume Barraut, and Nathalie Brajard.

The objective of the training is to enable participants to design and implement effectively Budget support programmes financed by the EU.  Budget support is a means of delivering aid that promotes beneficial reforms in key sectors (such as energy, water, and agriculture) while at the same time strengthening public financial management. Rather than being spent on technical assistance or equipment (as in more traditional development projects) funds are disbursed directly to partner governments when reforms set down in agreed sector policy documents, based on Government strategy, have been carried out.

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Through "Blending" the EU provides grant funds designed to leverage loans by international financial institutions, generally for infrastructure projects.

The European Union Ambassador to Fiji and the Pacific, His Excellency Andrew Jacobs said: ''The European Union's move to budget support in the Pacific wherever possible heralds a significant change and a growing maturity of relations with partner countries."

The Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, financed by the EU under the Regional Authorising Office programme, feels very honoured to be able to contribute to improving the capacity of Pacific Island nations to manage EU budget support and future blending programs.

Ambassador Jacobs and the Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Mrs Andie Fong Toy, will address the trainees at a cocktail reception on Monday evening.  

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Media contacts: Rose Tungale Kitua, Programme Officer (EU), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Ratusukana Road, Tel: +679 3220225, E-mail: rosek@forumsec.org

Mohammed Nazeem KASIM,  Press and Information Officer , Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Level 6, Tappoo City Complex, | Corner of Scott & Usher Street, SuvaTel: +679 331 3633, Fax: +679 330 0370, Ext 110 E-mail: Mohammed-Nazeem.KASIM@eeas.europa.eu