EU adopts framework for co-operation with Pakistan

Sommaire: May 21, 2002: PAKISTAN: Commission adopts framework for co-operation (Country Strategy Paper) (Brussels)

On 21 May 2002, the European Commission adopted a five-year strategy (2002-2006) for its co-operation with Pakistan. The Country Strategy Paper provides the framework for relations with Pakistan, covering all aspects of assistance towards that country. The chief objective is support for government efforts to reduce poverty and help to facilitate the country's integration into the world economy. An indicative figure of € 165 million has been agreed to support this strategy during the period 2002-2006.

Pakistan faces persistent structural problems: poverty is increasing, growth is insufficient to deal with the basic social welfare needs of an increasing population, and the investment climate remains subdued. Against this background, the priorities set out in the Country Strategy Paper are:

Human development in the education sector, with emphasis on good governance and accountability in the provision of educational services.

Example: Working with the government and other development partners to improve quality and enrolment rates of basic education.
Trade development and promotion of business and institutional links

Example: Pakistan's exports are overwhelming in the field of textiles, a sector in which competition is likely to increase in the near future. The EU will offer co-operation on trade diversification, norms, standards and quality control issues and WTO matters.

Other interventions relate to the EC's and Pakistan's continued commitment towards the eradication of child labor, support towards financial sector reform, the promotion of democracy and human rights, the fight against drug abuse, aid to uprooted people, and measures of conflict prevention.

The Country Strategy Paper recognizes the special contribution of NGOs in Pakistan to the overall social development of the country and will continue to support NGOs both in their role as providers of essential services, particularly to the poorest sections of the population, and as voices in civil society.

The EU will continue to underline the need for improved governance, and the importance of environmental and gender issues, in all its activities in Pakistan. The Country Strategy Paper takes into account lessons learnt from past EC-Pakistan co-operation and the need to reinforce co-ordination with other donors, in particular EU Member States, to ensure programmes complement each other.

Background Information

Country Strategy Papers were introduced in 2001 as part of a wider programme of Commission reforms in the field of External Assistance. Their purpose is to improve the coherence of the policy toward third countries, particularly, to ensure a match between political priorities and spending on development assistance. CSPs are developed in collaboration with national governments, Member States, other donors, and where possible, with representatives of civil society.

Website : http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/pakistan/intro/index.htm

Ref: EC02-099EN
Source UE: Commission Européenne
UN forum:
Date: 21/5/2002

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