Copyright © 2000 by Center for Citizen Initiatives.
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The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) is a variation of
the historic Marshall Plan Technical Assistance Program which was carried
out in US businesses and plants in the post-WWII period. This aspect of the
Marshall Plan brought 25,000 non-English speaking foreign production managers
to study at American firms and manufacturing sites during an eight-year period
beginning in 1946. Although the US training aspect accounted for only 1.5%
of the Marshall Plan's budget, it has been hailed as the most effective part
of the entire postwar effort.
PEP's goal for Russia in the next decade is the same as the Marshall Plan's
goal for Europe in the 1940's and 50's: to stimulate local manufacturing,
production and services in order to ensure economic and political stability
in a country vital to America's future trade relations and strategic welfare.
PEP is primarily a training program for Russian entrepreneurs. In addition
to business knowledge, PEP participants gain an understanding of democracy
and community service. PEP facilitates cultural exchange and friendships between
Americans and Russians, and motivates Russian business people to persevere
through economic crises.