US, Pak Sign New $750 Million Agreement for FATA Development
01 October, 2007
ISLAMABAD: Senior representatives of the United States and Pakistan Sunday signed a new multi-year agreement for American people's assistance to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) development amounting to $750 million over the next five years. The United States is providing $105 million this year for the FATA program. “The United States Government on behalf of the American people understands the importance of delivering resources quickly and effectively to bring essential services to the people of the FATA,” U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Pakistan Mission Director, Anne Aarnes, said after signing the bilateral agreement with the Secretary, Economic Affairs Division, M. Akram Malik. The USAID Director said that it is part of a long-term commitment by the United States to assist the Government of Pakistan in addressing the acute development needs of the people of this important region of Pakistan. “We commend the Government of Pakistan in establishing the Sustainable Development Plan for the FATA,” USAID's Aarnes said. “We have crafted our assistance activities to directly support this plan, and we look forward to working together closely with FATA officials in its implementation.” The new agreement will be used to support programs in capacity building, livelihoods, agriculture, micro and small and medium enterprises, health, education and infrastructure development in the FATA. “The United States is dedicating substantial resources to meet the needs of Pakistani people, and to build services and institutions over the long run,” Ambassador Anne. W. Patterson said earlier this week. “The Government's program will improve health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, governance, and economic dynamism in the Tribal Areas" USAID Director added.
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