Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Nena Asks Funding for Extension of MEDC Project

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): November 12,
1997 – FSM President Jacob Nena, on November 5, 1997, transmitted
a proposed bill for Congress’ consideration, requesting for $194,000,
to fund a one-year extension of the Micronesian Entrepreneur
Development Center (MEDC) project, up to February 1999.

The requested fund is equivalent to 50 percent of the cost of the
project. As a joint project, the UNDP contributes the other 50
percent. Thus, the total cost is $390,000.

Micronesian Entrepreneur Development Center project is concerned
with promoting indigenous small and medium businesses in the FSM when
the public sector or the governments are down-sizing or undergoing
reduction through restructuring and the voluntary early retirement
program for its employees.

MEDC has over the past years conducted its programs in various FSM
States and without FSM’s 50 percent contribution, its contemplated
extension to February 1999 is uncertain.

Nena concluded by requesting a favorable consideration by Congress.