Pakistan and European Union (EU) agreed on multifaceted development cooperation agenda in various sectors, including economic growth, smart agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, climate and green development, technical and vocational education, digital transformation, and health.
This development was brought to the fore at the end of the annual meeting of the sub-group on development cooperation of the Pakistan European Union (EU) Joint Commission at the Ministry of Economic Affairs held in Islamabad.
Both sides emphasize on cooperation in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-hit areas, extensively discussed the level of present development cooperation, and resolved to strengthen their relationship for the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
Addressing the event, Deputy Head of South and South East Asia of the European Commission Ian Hoskins said, We are here to commit that the EU will, under its Multi Indicative Program (MIP), support the economic and social development of Pakistan and integrate post-flood rehabilitation and reconstruction into the existing plan, which we consider of paramount importance for the people of Pakistan.
Moreover, the meeting also considered the implementation of the MIP, the Annual Action Plan, and the post-flood rehabilitation and reconstruction. In addition, the progress on the current EU-funded projects in Pakistan was also reviewed during the meeting.
The Pakistani Delegation informed the meeting about the current and planned development priorities of the Government, which comprise a stronger focus on transparency, poverty alleviation, institutional reforms, human resource development, and green energy. Two sides further talked about increasing the cost-effectiveness of development assistance initiatives and the measures to increase cooperation with the private sector.
As per the MIP 2021-2027, the EU will grant Pakistan 265 million during the first three years in the fields of green inclusive growth and human capital and governance, including the rule of law and human rights (HR).
The total ongoing portfolio of the European Union in Pakistan is worth 630.19 million for 38 projects. Since 2001, the EU has granted over 1.9 billion to Pakistan.