Above: Prime Minister, Dr. Ivo Sanader visits the Software Development Center training facility in Varazdin. The Center supports private software development companies by serving as a hub for training and testing new, innovative products. The goal is to assist more than 100 software developers. It also provides developers with business support and marketing.
This is a joint USAID and Microsoft project, in partnership with the City of Varazdin. The project is also supported by Hewlett Packard, Cisco and Croatian Telecom (T-Com).
"We have recently opened the Microsoft Software Development Center in close cooperation with USAID and the Croatian Government. This project represents just one of the many commitments Microsoft has taken towards Croatian economy, in particular the small and medium enterprise sector"
- Bill Gates, President of Microsoft
What is USAID?
USAID is the principal U.S. agency extending assistance to countries implementing economic and democratic reforms to escape poverty and/or recover from disaster. USAID operates in over 100 countries around the world and manages a budget of approximately $9.5 billion. In the East European region, USAID is fully engaged in seven countries and it has graduated six other countries over the last five years.
Why a USAID program in Croatia?
USAID has been operating in Croatia since 1992. During this time more than $320 million in assistance has been delivered to Croatia . USAID/Croatia implements a comprehensive transition program that includes economic and fiscal reform, strengthening democratic institutions, and training activities. Croatia 's successful transition is integral to achieving the U.S. core policy goal of stability in Southeast Europe and serves other important American interests such as fighting terrorism and trafficking in persons.
USAID/Croatia's current portfolio is approximately $69 million. In FY 2006 Croatia 's program budget was nearly $14 million. USAID intends to complete its assistance program in Croatia in 2008.
USAID assistance program is structured around two Strategic Objectives:
- Growth of a dynamic and competitive private sector, and
- More effective citizen participation and improved governance.
USAID/Croatia has a staff of 29 people: six U.S. staff and 23 Croatian staff.
Download document: About USAID Croatia (PDF 128 KB)
