Denmark to launch $ 50 million programme in Pakistan for reconstruction, rehabilitation, education

ISLAMABAD: Denmark will be extending and expanding its support to the people of Pakistan through a new five year program commencing in the autumn of 2013 with a total budget of around USD 50 million. It will focus on reconstruction, rehabilitation, education and the socio-economic development of the Northern border areas.

This was stated by Denmark’s new Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Jesper Moller Sorensen Thursday after presenting his credentials at a special ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

He said for many years the Government of Denmark has supported Pakistan through our development cooperation and humanitarian assistance and is committed to continue our work in Pakistan in the years to come. Parallel to our support for social cohesion, development and democratic institutions in Pakistan, we will work to strengthen and deepen our relationship with Pakistan and the people of Pakistan.

The Ambassador said increasing trade between our two countries will be a very high priority during his tenure in Pakistan. Danish companies have much to offer to the people of Pakistan, and they are strong in areas such as renewable energy, life sciences and energy efficiency”, Ambassador Sorensen stated.

Ambassador Sorensen stated that one of his key goals during his Ambassadorship is to strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Denmark. The Embassy will, for the first time, open a commercial section in order to strengthen its support to businesses.

He said Denmark launched its first phase of development cooperation with Pakistan in 2010. The program has been focusing on quality education to children in conflict affected areas through UNICEF and reconstruction of infrastructure and delivery services in FATA, KPK and Baluchistan. Additionally, the Government of Denmark is working with the civil society in Pakistan in the areas of democratic development, human rights and gender equality. Denmark has also provided humanitarian assistance to Pakistan during the earthquake in 2005 and during the floods in 2010-12, where Denmark contributed with more than USD 30 million for flood relief response.