ISLAMABAD: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a total of $445.6 million grant for Pakistan for a period of five years through the Development Objectives Assistance Agreement (DOAG).
According to a press release, Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Dr Kazim Niaz and USAID Mission Director to Pakistan Reed Aeschliman signed the five-year bilateral DOAG in Islamabad on Wednesday. The signing ceremony was also attended by Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Ayaz Sadiq and the visiting USAID Deputy Administrator, Isobel Coleman.
The new agreement was signed after a gap of 13 years when the two sides inked a deal last time in 2010 titled Pakistan Enhanced Partnership Agreement (PEPA.
Under the new agreement, USAID would provide a grant of $ 445,600,000 which would be utilized in five years.
Development Programme of USAID in Pakistan
This agreement would be instrumental for the socio-economic development of Pakistan as it backs major areas like Inclusive and accountable democratic governance, climate-resilient economic growth and a healthier and more educated population.
The prime development objectives of the DOAG were in line with the national developmental vision/objectives.
The agreement has been signed between USAID and the government of Pakistan after an extensive consultative with federal and provincial departments. It aims a renewed effort for accountability and transparency as well as enhancing the involvement of Pakistani organizations during the implementation of the programme.
Highlighting the importance of the programme, Ayaz sadiq said that the United States remained one of the major providers of development assistance to Pakistan. He added that Pakistan always admired Pak-US relations and wished to continue this partnership in part through the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance,” a framework focused on water management, agriculture and clean energy..
