10.3 Establishing relationships with government departments

It is essential to establish good working relationships with host government departments, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Emergency or disaster services, etc. This assists in coordinating start-up operations through an understanding of government regulations and requirements. An open and transparent relationship helps to speed the registration process and establishes credibility for future programming. As soon as possible after arrival in the country, CARE representatives should arrange meetings with key government departments. A senior national government liaison staff should also be recruited as soon as possible.