VOA常速英语:MCC Threshold Program For Honduras

The Millennium Challenge Corporation, or MCC, is a United States agency that works with eligible countries to enable them to implement homegrown development projects aimed at alleviating poverty through sustainable economic growth. It forms partnerships with countries committed to good governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizens.

In late August, the United States and Honduras signed a three-year Millennium Challenge Threshold agreement worth $15.6 million.

“The Threshold Program ... seeks to improve the efficiency and transparency of the government,” explained MCC Vice President Sheila Herrling at the Honduras Threshold Program signing. The program also aims to improve the Honduran government’s capacity to develop and oversee public-private partnerships.

“Improving public financial management and developing more effective public-private partnerships are both at the heart of the role that government must play in the economy,” said U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Lisa Kubiske.

“If government performs its role well, the economy can prosper. If government does not, there is a constraint on the economic growth we all want to see take root and take off.”

The Threshold program offers Honduras an opportunity to support the Honduran government’s efforts to become more efficient more transparent and more responsive to its citizens. MCC will provide assistance, but it is the Honduran leaders and Honduran people who must lead this effort.

Ambassador Kubiske said, “It is a commitment between the people of the United States and the people of Honduras to work together for shared goals. Three years from now, when the Threshold Program concludes, many of us will not be here to examine the results,” she said.

“But our successors will be. They and the people will hold us accountable.

“We appreciate the partnership of Honduras and look forward to making the opportunity of the Threshold Program a reality.”