Commissioner Mimica starts today a visit to Paraguay and Peru. He is expected to discuss development priorities with national authorities, visit EU-funded projects and announce a €40 million package to support Peru.
Today, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, starts a visit to Paraguay (7-9 October) and Peru (9-11 October) to discuss the implementation of the priorities for the countries' development...
Ahead of the mission, Commissioner Mimica said: "The EU looks at Paraguay and Peru as important and constructive partners in Latin America. We expect to strengthen our ties and develop further a new way of cooperation to be able to address together challenges of common concern."While in Peru, Commissioner Mimica is expected to sign, with President Ollanta Humala, an agreement to disburse a €40 million package to support Peru's National Development and Social Inclusion Strategy. This support will serve to ensure the adequate development and health of children and young adults, by providing them with access to basic services such as water, education and medical care. The new funds will be targeted at five regions of the Peruvian Amazon which have both high poverty rates and major development gaps.
In Paraguay, Commissioner Mimica is expected to endorse the disbursement of €5 millionfor social protection, with the aim of ensuring basic services to the most vulnerable population and to increase economic inclusion. Commissioner Mimica will be able to see the results of EU support to Paraguay's education policy which benefitted from about €60 million of EU funds provided for 2009-2015 in the education sector.
In line with the EU's Agenda for Change, EU aid is focussed on countries and sectors that need it most and where it can make the biggest difference. This is the case of Peru and Paraguay.
