Message from the Director

To Governments and Partner Agencies:

As we begin 2007, we are entering the final year of Phase V of RUTA. Continuing faithfully with the quarterly updates offered through this newsletter, we describe the latest developments and progress made in RUTA's projects and programs.

We are also pleased to announce the positive results of the evaluations carried out at RUTA, required as part of the project's closing operations. The external evaluation committee concluded that RUTA V has been a successful and valuable initiative for the region and has made an outstanding contribution to the improvement and implementation of rural development projects and programs in Central America.

But that is not the only positive news. This year also got off to a good start when RUTA's work received recognition outside the region. Our strategy for sharing information and promoting dialogue, applied in a study to assess the impact of CAFTA, was endorsed by the World Bank as a best practice for its effectiveness and innovation in engaging a wide array of stakeholders.

All this gives us additional encouragement to continue working for the benefit of our region. I extend a cordial greeting to you and would like to take this opportunity to wish you the very best in 2007.

Miguel R. Gómez
mrgomez@ruta.org