[{"bbox": [72, 121, 301, 153], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2. RATIONALE"}, {"bbox": [109, 184, 243, 211], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### 2.1. Context"}, {"bbox": [72, 253, 1158, 467], "category": "Text", "text": "As with most economies around the world, the Jamaican economy has been significantly impacted by the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Jamaican's economy contracted by approximatively 11% during the Financial Year (FY) April 2020- March 2021. The economic decline in 2020/21 was driven by a massive 70% contraction in the tourism industry. Government Revenues declined by approximatively 11.3% as compared to the previous financial year. Projected public debt to GDP for FY 2021/22 is 100.7%, and this is forecast to decline to 76.8% by end-FY 2024/25. The public debt to GDP target of 60 % has been extended to March 31, 2028 in keeping with the suspension of the fiscal rules associated with the fiscal impact of the pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 could derail some of the hard-won fiscal gains made over time and in particular in the immediate pre-COVID period."}, {"bbox": [72, 492, 1158, 625], "category": "Text", "text": "With a view to cushioning the economic impact of COVID-19, the Government of Jamaica announced a vast socio-economic recovery and vaccine programme to boost the economy. The Government's plan seeks to improve the country's infrastructure in order to drive jobs and economic activity, enhance productivity and strengthen resilience. Under this programme, the Government will allocate funds to address the pressing health needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic."}, {"bbox": [72, 625, 1158, 728], "category": "Text", "text": "Jamaica's long-term development is guided by its Vision 2030 Jamaica - National Development Plan which is a strategic road map to guide the country to achieve its goals of sustainable development and prosperity by 2030. It is based on specific guiding principles, goals and national outcomes, all in the move towards Jamaica becoming \"the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business\"."}, {"bbox": [72, 757, 1158, 995], "category": "Text", "text": "The proposed action will build on the achievements made under previous cooperation facility projects as similar facilities have been instrumental in assisting the Government of Jamaica moving forward on key policy reforms initiatives supported by the EU. The action falls under the priorities of MIP support measures. It aims at strengthening the development cooperation between the European Union and the Government of Jamaica. The action will contribute to advance the implementation of the Team Europe Initiatives since it will provide support to the preparation, implementation, management and monitoring of EU programmes. The action responds to the need to ensure a rigorous identification, formulation and implementation of the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027. The MIP has identified three priority areas namely: sustainable and inclusive economy, Climate change and environment, and Good Governance and Human Security."}, {"bbox": [72, 1022, 1158, 1076], "category": "Text", "text": "The action will as well contribute to improving public awareness, understanding and perception of the EU's role in the country, particularly on the priority areas identified."}, {"bbox": [109, 1094, 348, 1123], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### 2.2. Problem Analysis"}, {"bbox": [72, 1136, 1158, 1242], "category": "Text", "text": "The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), as the principal interlocutor for all International Development Partners including the EU Delegation, the Government Ministries and agencies/departments concerned, does not always have sufficient human resources and expertise to carry out the identification, formulation of projects/programmes and feasibility studies."}, {"bbox": [72, 1268, 1158, 1507], "category": "Text", "text": "There is a need to reinforce the capacity of selected line ministries and public entities in order to help them fulfil efficiently their mandate. In particular, there will be a need to continue to provide capacity development and institutional strengthening measures as well as technical assistance expertise to the Planning Institute of Jamaica, which under previous European Development Funds were tasked with coordinating and managing the Jamaica-European Union Cooperation. This support is still necessary within the PIOJ given the current capacity constraints of the entity (only a limited number of civil servants). Technical Support is also needed to enhance the capacity of selected ministries and public entities with a view to improving the general management of EU-funded interventions, ensure smooth implementation of programmes and international commitments and maintain proper and robust reporting. It will help them to have adequate capacity to follow up and implement the actions."}, {"bbox": [72, 1533, 1158, 1614], "category": "Text", "text": "In addition, the programming and implementation of EU-funded programmes will require the involvement of selected line ministries, Ministries Agencies and new implementing partners which could be relatively inexperienced with European Union procurement and financial procedures. As a result, these actors and stakeholders would also be in need"}, {"bbox": [1052, 1661, 1158, 1685], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 4 of 12"}]