PNG to get more AID from European Union

European Union aid assistance will increase by 70 per cent says National Planning and Monitoring Minister Charles Abel.

At the first political meeting between the government and the EU in Port Moresby yesterday, the minister said that over the next five years the European Development Fund will increase to over K700 million. The EU’s current funding stands at around K350 million.

The EU’s objective is to improve the livelihoods of the rural population by enhancing access to income generating activities. The EU also aims to help improve basic education, and technical and vocational training.

Mr Abel said that the government is formulating a new policy which will ensure any aid given to PNG will be used appropriately.

Dr Gerhard Sabathil, who is the Director for East Asia and the Pacific in the European External Service, said that this first ever dialogue paves the way for a better relationship between the EU and the government in the future.

"The dialogue will focus on the political and financial aspects of co-operation between us and the PNG government.

"PNG has shown impressive development in the region and it is also our key partner in the pacific. In addition, PNG is an emerging gas and oil exporter in the world.

"Therefore we are obliged to and committed to conduct such a dialogue."