May 22, 2002	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 8,1423

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BRUSSELS, May 21: The European Commission promised on Tuesday 165 million euros in aid to Pakistan for the period 2002-2006, with officials saying funds would focus on anti-poverty schemes and trade promotion activities.

A statement by the European Union executive in Brussels said the money would be channelled into efforts to improve the quality of basic education in Pakistan and increase enrolment in schools. Good governance projects would also get attention.

“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,” the commission said.

As such, the EU would help support human development in the education sector and also provide assistance to promote Pakistan’s exports, the EU executive said.

The commission also promised help for eradicating child labour in Pakistan.

The aid was announced here as European External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten visited Pakistan and Afghanistan.