EU offers market access to Pakistan
PESHAWAR, Mar.04 (APP): European Union (EU) Thursday offered market access to quality goods of Pakistan saying that all members of the union are interested in promotion of trade relations with Pakistan.The offer was made during a meeting of the ambassadors of the members of the European Union here at Governor’s House Peshawar. Out of the 18 members EU diplomats of 16 countries attended the meeting except the representative of the Britain and Netherlands.
Special Secretary Home & Tribal Affairs, Fiaz Toru and Director General, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) given presentation to the EU delegation. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani presided the meeting.
The Prime Minister said that increasing economic pressure was affectiong the national economy. He apprised the partners of Pakistan that her success would be the success of the whole world. He said that a plan of action and strategy for the reconstruction and rehabilitation process in the militancy affected areas is prepared, while only response from the partners is awaited.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that besides the reconstruction and rehabilitation process in Malakand Division the IDPs from FATA are also a challenge for the government for which he said the support of the EU will be welcomed.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that during his last visit environment for Pakistan was very much constructive and positive in Brussels. He said that presently Pakistan is converging all energies on fighting terrorism. He said that the year 2010 is the year of wining the hearts and minds of the people of the militancy affected areas.
Special Secretary, Home & Tribal Affairs, NWFP Fiaz Toru briefed the ambassadors on the historical background of the region including emerging multi-cultural and lingual aspects of the strategy. He also appraised the EU delegation of the current situation in the bordering areas as well as ongoing operation against militancy.
The Director General (DG) PDMA ii his presentation mentioned Damage Need Assessment (DNA) made up till now indicate that immediate requirement of Rs.17 billion for short-term reconstruction activating activity. Similarly, under Post Crisis Need Assessment (PCNA) all stakeholders should be taken on board when the report is put up in April next month.
He said that mega projects for FATA and adjacent areas worth Rs.34 billion had been identified and plans for the sae are being prepared. While elaborating on the funds of Friends of Pakistan (FoD) and only two UNDP and Italy had fulfilled while responses from others is still awaited.
In response to the presentation of the officials of NWFP, EU president in Pakistan, Mr. Gonzalo Maria Quintero Saravia said that they have come to Peshawar to show to the world that EU stands by the Pakistan in struggle against terrorism. He said that there presence is the expression of the solidarity by the EU with the people of Pakistan.
He appreciated that short and long term strategies had identified targets for reconstructions. He assured that All EU states desire establishment of relations with Pakistan on solid bases, which he said will be at different levels and areas. APP. EU Access
