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Corruption is a problem affecting both developing countries as well as countries on the frontier of development. It represents a threat for economic growth, for social development, and for democratic consolidation.

Corruption has an ominous effect on the performance of the State and represents a mayor obstacle to the eradication of poverty global wise, as well as a hindrance for the attainment of economic, political and social long term goals. Corruption also impedes correct function of the rule of law.

The TCP is not simply another foreign donation of funds which will ultimately find itself in the pockets of whoever has the momentary political reins. The TCP is only a drop of water to advance the vision of a Paraguay where the status of Citizen of Paraguay is an honor to have. The TCP is a program developed by the Government of Paraguay because it (finally) has come to realize that if we proceed as is, our children and grandchildren might find themselves with little or no opportunity of work because nobody wants to invest in a country where there is no confidence. Corruption in our country is a way of life. This ingrained custom has to forcefully change because it gives benefits to few and misfortune to the majority.

The TCP is different. It is an assistance of the U.S. Government to less developed countries whose governments are demonstrating (through their actions) that they have clear intentions of improving. The assistance is through technical and equipment needs. The funds are managed by USAID ê Paraguay. Till the moment, there are 19 Threshold Country Programs including Paraguay. These countries were invited to present a proposal (due to improvement in indicators: www.mca.gov/countries/rankings/Fy05/paraguay.pdf ), among many others, and their proposals were accepted based on personal merit. The TCP Paraguay has the second highest donation in the threshold program. We have already begun working on the planned improvements. You can follow our steps through this website. We would like the TCP “Programa Umbral” to be championed by all the Paraguayans, not just the Government. We need you to inform yourself of what is happening, to give your opinions and criticisms. We need you to demand your rights as citizens.

The duration of the TCP is two years. If we can all commit to shoulder the responsibility to make the Programa Umbral a success, then through improvement in our indicators we may receive the opportunity to access the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and perhaps benefit from around $200 million additional dollars for a period of 5 years to consolidate our improvements.

This is not just for the money, but for the pride of being recognized worldwide as a secure investment place. Never again will we see our country classified as one of the most corrupt. We would be able to lift our heads and state that we are part of the MCA because we have a future and this is something that not all countries can say!