Pak, EU sign MoU on MIP worth Euros 200m
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and European Commission here on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2007-2010 worth Euros 200 million to help sustainable development and effectively pursue the Millennium Development Goals.
The MoU was formally signed by Secretary, Economic Affairs Division, M.Akram Malik and Jan De Kok, Head of Delegation, European Commission.
The European Commission’s strategy and the MIP 2007-2010 is focused on to fight poverty and help Pakistan follow a sustainable growth path, in line with its policy priorities outlined in the Medium-Term Development Framework and its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Economic Affairs Division, M. Akram Malik said that the MoU would further strengthen relations between Pakistan and European Union.
He said that the MIP would concentrate on rural development and natural resources management in North-West Frontier Province (NWFP and Baluchistan with a view to reduce regional disparities and promote stability in Pakistan’s sensitive provinces bordering Afghanistan.
Moreover, he added, governance, education and human resources development are the second focal objectives for developing a well-trained work force and creating a moderate and stable Pakistan.
The Programme also underscores the need for taking concrete measures for trade development, democratization, human rights and anti-money laundering, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Jan De Kok, Head of Delegation, European Commission said that Pakistan and EU were committed to strengthening their relationship under this new MIP.
He said that since the beginning of its cooperation with Pakistan in 1976, the EU has committed more than Euros 500 million in grants to projects and programmes in Pakistan.
It may be recalled that the financing instrument for development cooperation under which EC development assistance to Pakistan is provided for poverty alleviation in the context of sustainable development, including pursuit of MDGs.