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BRUSSELS: President Asif Ali Zardari said Wednesday he hoped to secure better access to European markets rather than more aid, ahead of a landmark EU-Pakistan summit focused in part on trade.
What I need is trade, not aid. I'm looking for MOUs (memoranda of understanding) and not IOUs and I intend to get them, he told journalists after meeting with Nato ambassadors in Brussels.
I'm always hopeful. I'm a man who has walked from the gallows to the presidency.
Zardari was speaking shortly before heading to the first ever EU-Pakistan summit where trade links are to top the agenda with the ultimate goal being further down the line of a free trade agreement.
According to a draft text, the EU will explore how Pakistan could benefit from its preferential tariff regime, which affords customs privileges in return for respecting principles in the areas of workers' rights and the environment.
Meanwhile, a European Commission official said the EU will pledge to give Pakistan 20 million euros in humanitarian aid to help cope with the aftermath of fighting in the Swat valley.
The official said the executive Commission would also urge member states to set aside a further 45 million euros in aid from a reserve fund during a summit that will discuss the fight against terrorism and trade.
The Commission will announce later today that the EU will give Pakistan 20 million euros in humanitarian aid, the official said before talks scheduled between President Zardari and EU officials.
The Commission will also request from member states and the European Parliament to provide an additional 45 million euros from the EU's reserve fund, the official said, referring to a fund set aside for emergencies.
The summit is the first between the 27-country EU and Pakistan. AFP/Reuters
DAWN.COM | World | We need trade, not aid, says Zardari
What I need is trade, not aid. I'm looking for MOUs (memoranda of understanding) and not IOUs and I intend to get them, he told journalists after meeting with Nato ambassadors in Brussels.
I'm always hopeful. I'm a man who has walked from the gallows to the presidency.
Zardari was speaking shortly before heading to the first ever EU-Pakistan summit where trade links are to top the agenda with the ultimate goal being further down the line of a free trade agreement.
According to a draft text, the EU will explore how Pakistan could benefit from its preferential tariff regime, which affords customs privileges in return for respecting principles in the areas of workers' rights and the environment.
Meanwhile, a European Commission official said the EU will pledge to give Pakistan 20 million euros in humanitarian aid to help cope with the aftermath of fighting in the Swat valley.
The official said the executive Commission would also urge member states to set aside a further 45 million euros in aid from a reserve fund during a summit that will discuss the fight against terrorism and trade.
The Commission will announce later today that the EU will give Pakistan 20 million euros in humanitarian aid, the official said before talks scheduled between President Zardari and EU officials.
The Commission will also request from member states and the European Parliament to provide an additional 45 million euros from the EU's reserve fund, the official said, referring to a fund set aside for emergencies.
The summit is the first between the 27-country EU and Pakistan. AFP/Reuters
DAWN.COM | World | We need trade, not aid, says Zardari
