USAID helps generate employment in former war zones

24 Apr '10

2 min read

In order to prop up new businesses in the former war zone, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has joined forces with Sri Lanka's private sector, informed the aid agency.

Around 5,000 full-time jobs are likely to be generated, in the former conflict zones, through the USAID Public-Private Partnerships for Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka Program.

USAID Mission Director, Ms. Rebecca Cohn said that the agency is committed to bring conflict-affected communities back to normal by elevating job and business opportunities. The aid agency is teaming up with five domestic businesses in the sectors such as, apparel manufacturing, aquaculture, logistics and horticulture.

USAID will invest about Rs.600 million, while private sector's investment of Rs. 1,400 million will add up to a total of Rs.2 billion for new businesses in the former war zone.

USAID will set up a ready-made garment plant in Omanthai, near Vavuniya in the Northern Province in collaboration with a leading garment manufacturing and export company. The projected RMG plant will offer around 1,000 jobs for expatriates and young widows.

Another local garment company will also build a garment factory in Samanthurai in the Ampara district generating over 1,000 jobs. As per USAID, around 1,300 small-holding farmers will benefit from these ventures and help them increase their incomes.

A leading logistic company will assist farmers in the conflict-affected areas by investing in logistic activities. The project will benefit about 1,500 farmers and fishermen.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India