EC Country Strategy Paper for Bangladesh 2002-2006

III. Implementation Efficiency
Promoting a higher level of efficiency in the implementation of EC supported projects and
programmes remains a major concern. Although the ongoing reforms within the EC will
contribute to improve the process, it remains imperative that the implementation efficiency
and absorption capacity of Bangladesh is increased significantly for the proposed level of
financial commitment of the EC to be sustained in the time validity of the EC’s Country
Strategy 2002 – 2006 for Bangladesh.
In pursuit of this goal, the EC proposes action at three levels: a) an intensified dialogue
with the Government of Bangladesh on development priorities, b) an improved project design,
and c) a review of the current modalities of implementation of EC funded projects.
IV Coherence with EU Policies and Complementarity with EU and other
donors
The strategy outlined in this paper is coherent with relevant EU policies. The overall objective
of EU co-operation with Bangladesh is fostering sustainable economic and social development
while helping to reduce poverty and contributing towards Bangladesh’s integration
into the world economy.
The priority sectors outlined above take account of these issues, by focusing on human development
in the social sectors and trade and economic promotion and development and
mainstreaming crosscutting issues as good governance, gender and environment.
The strategy is fundamentally compatible with the EU’s political objectives and the proposed
EC priorities should help to contribute towards sustainable economic development
and social stability.
The matrix on donor co-ordination under Annex 2 shows how EC actions relate to those of
Member States and other donors. Duplication is avoided by ensuring consultations at various
levels to improve coherence, in particular at the EU level. The process of establishing
the CSP and the new multi-annual planning cycle should allow for an even more effective
co-ordination.
There is broad agreement amongst donors, both at EU Member States level, as well as other
donors operating in Bangladesh on the development needs and priorities of the country.
The EC selected priorities and areas of intervention complement and/or strengthen EU and
other donors co-operation.
The EC support to the Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Programme (2003-2008)
would involve all major Development Partners organised in a “donor consortium” led by
the WB.
In the education sector (both formal and informal) the EC has a long experience. Besides,
donors working in the education sector (EC, DFID, WB, NL, ADB, D, DK etc) work together
very closely with the objective to convince GoB to accept a sector wide approach.
Considerable experience, comparative advantages and the need to secure access to food for
the most vulnerable groups fully justifies the EC assistance in this sector.
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