NL Supports Pakistan & India Trade Ties

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan H Gajus Scheltema has encouraged Pakistan to promote trade partnerships with India to improve trade and market. He also responded to the issue of cutting support to Pakistan.

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“We will promote trade not aid which is basically in line with government of Pakistan’s policy. Our bilateral aid will be slashed down in gradual manner as Pakistan does not fall into the category of poorest nations,” the outgoing Ambassador of the Netherlands told The News.

The departing Scheltema, who will be leaving Pakistan this week, finished his term for two years in Islamabad. Scheltema said the recently elected government of PML-N appeared determined to reinstate peace and boost trade partnerships with India.

In reply to the concern of deducting aid to Pakistan, Scheltema explained that they were reducing bilateral aid slowly, with projects lessened from 30 to 18. Additional cuts will be made from the next fiscal year of Netherlands, beginning in September. “Pakistan does not qualify for aid as it is not in the list of poorest nations,” he said.

According to the ambassador, Netherlands has entrusted $10 million support for Pakistan with $5 million handed to the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), $2.5 million for the Balochistan Police training, and a further venture for developing NGOs.

Source: The News