ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: The European Union will give “mono GSP scale” to Pakistan from January next to boost Pakistan’s export to member states of the EU.

European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero Walder talking to APP here at Convention Centre after attending international donors’ conference said that under this “mono GSP scale” Pakistan’s products would be exported to EU countries at 20 per cent less customs duty as compared to other developing countries.

She said this decision had been taken to give boost to Pakistan’s trade after the devastating October 8 earthquake that caused damaged to many areas of NWFP and Azad Kashmir.

Ms Ferrero said the “mono General System of Preference scale” was also given to the countries struck by tsunami last year.

Replying to a question she said that EU was a long standing friend of Pakistan and had showed solidarity with Pakistan on this tragedy.

Appreciating the sponsorship scheme announced by President Pervez Musharraf while addressing the international donors’ conference, she said, “We want to concentrate our help especially in education and repair of infrastructure.”

She said that the European Union’s contribution was enormous as it had announced a grant of 110 million euros for this year to help Pakistan in the rehabilitation and reconstruction work. She said the EU always provided grants and its contributions were not as loans.

Referring to more contribution from the EU, she clarified that many EU members had announced pledges separately and the total pledged from the EU countries was more than $300 million.

She appreciated the assurance given by President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on accountability and transparency in the utilization of the funds being collected for the rehabilitation and reconstruction in the quake affected areas.

She said the accountability was very important for the European Union as it was also accountable before the EU parliament and taxpayers.—APP