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JEMCO meeting underway in Honolulu

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): September 1, 2006 - The Joint Economic Management Committee (JEMCO) continues its meeting today in Honolulu where economic policies and program performances is the framework the discussion.

The annual JEMCO meeting began August 31 with an expected wrap-up date of September 1 2006.

Issues to be presented by the Federated States of Micronesia include, but not limited to, JEMCO's Progress Monitoring of Policy Reform, Priority Funding, Decrement Management, Compliance Management and Capacity Development.

JEMCO will also be updated on the various sector performances including special updates focusing on Chuuk in education and health reforms. Discussion is also expected on policy issues relating to the use of amended Compact Funds, among others.

JEMCO was established under the amendments to the Compact of Free Association of 2003. The Committee is the implementing arm of the amended Compact thus responsible for the allocation of Funds to the FSM and mandated to ensure compliance of US funding stipulations.

JEMCO is a 5-person team chaired by David B. Cohen, head of the US Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs. Members include two others from the US Government and two representatives from the FSM: Sebastian Anefal, Secretary the Department of Foreign Affairs and Epel Ilon, Director of the Office of Compact Management.