The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government of Pakistan on Wednesday signed a new five-year bilateral development assistance agreement that will provide an earlier grant of $445.6 million.
Economic Affairs Division Secretary Dr. Kazim Niaz and USAID Pakistan Mission Director Reid Eshelman signed the agreement today at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Islamabad.
Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman participated in the signing ceremony of the agreement.
This agreement is being signed after a gap of 13 years since the last development partnership agreement “Pakistan Enhanced Partnership Agreement (PEPA)” was signed between the two countries in 2010. Under this agreement, USAID will provide a grant of $445.6 million. five years.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, the agreement will be critical to Pakistan’s socio-economic development as it supports key areas such as climate-resilient economic growth, inclusive and accountable democratic governance and a healthy and more educated population. does.
DOAG’s development goals are in line with our national development vision and the activities funded under it will be implemented in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, thereby maintaining close bilateral relations, effective Coordination will be promoted and government visibility will increase.
The agreement was reached between the government and USAID after an extensive consultation process with federal and provincial departments. It initiates a new effort to increase transparency and accountability as well as involvement of Pakistani organizations in its implementation.
“The United States is one of the largest donors of development assistance to Pakistan, partnering with the Government of Pakistan, civil society, and international organizations on a range of programs aligned with Pakistan’s priorities. But we look forward to advancing through the US-Pakistan ‘Green Alliance’, a framework focused on agriculture, water management and clean energy,” the Economic Affairs Minister said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of Economic Affairs Division thanked the US Government and USAID for their continuous support to Pakistan for socio-economic development of Pakistan.