By HARLYNE JOKU
THE European Union (EU) has earmarked K450
million to spend on development projects over a six-year period
beginning next year.
EU ambassador to PNG Aldo Dell’Arricia said this money would go through
direct assistance to government programmes.
Mr Dell’Arricia made the remarks during his address to invited guests at
the celebration of Europe Day at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday evening.
He said the EU was the second largest donor to PNG and its present
five-year programme of assistance with the Government exceeded K600
million in directs grants.
The EU is by far the world’s largest donor of international assistance
and 60% of the money is spent to help developing countries.
Mr Dell’Arricia said that EU was also the
main contributor to health initiatives such as the global fund to fight
malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/ AIDS.
Mr Dell’Arricia added he was pleased to announce that out of the
European Development Fund, the EU signed a financing agreement with
Treasurer Sir Rabbie Namaliu last Monday to provide K20 million to
facilitate the participation of civil society in the process of economic
and social development.
He said EU aid was not limited to programmable aid.
“EU also provided emergency aid but continued to support rehabilitation
and reconstruction phases.”
He cited , for example, the K6 million in support of the Gazelle
Restoration Authority.
“The funds were used to complete the reconstruction programmes launched
after the 1994 twin eruptions of Mt Tavurvur and Vulcan volcanoes in
Rabaul,” Mr Dell’Arricia said.
“Our development aid is implemented under the form of partnership and
our ambition is to respond to the real needs of the beneficiary
countries.
“This is the Europe in which we believe in and this is a good friend of
the people and the Government of Papua New Guinea,” Mr Dell’Arricia
said.
