www.thefinancialdaily.com  Meeting with French FM Sheikh seeks greater EU mkts access ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance, Dr Abdul Hafiz Shaikh who is currently on a two-day visit to France raised the issue of greater access to the European markets for Pakistani products, during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. According to a message received here from Paris, Dr Shaikh discussed the possibilities of enhancing economic cooperation between two countries. Kouchner agreed that there was ample space for enhancement of bilateral cooperation in economic as well as other fields. Shaikh briefed Kouchner on economic reforms being carried out by the Government of Pakistan and their impact on the economy of the country. However, he said that the pace of economic development is likely to be hampered adversely by recent devastating floods. The Minister also discussed with Foreign Minister the possibilities of greater economic cooperation between Pakistan and European Union countries. He also drew the attention of Kouchner towards the question of greater access of Pakistani products including textile to European Union markets. Kouchner expressed the concern of French Government at the sufferings of huge population in Pakistan because of floods. He lauded the efforts of Government of Pakistan for relief and rehabilitation. He informed the Minister of the assistance the French Government is providing in current phase of relief operations and the steps it proposes to undertake during the next phase which will include rehabilitation and reconstruction in coordination with European Union partners.-APP