Islamabad, August 15 (ANI): The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) projects in Pakistan have received lesser funds than were promised under the Kerry Lugar Berman bill.
According to the bill, Pakistan is authorized to receive 1.5 billion dollars annually for five years to promote and enhanced strategic partnership. Instead of 1.5 billion, USAID could only get 947.2 million dollars due to across the board cut on international assistance by the US government.
Although USAID spent 1.321 billion dollars in 2010 and 1.147 billion dollars during 2009 it faced shortage of funds during 2011 due to financial constraints in Washington this year, The Nation reports.
USAID Pakistan Mission Director Dr. Andrew B. Sisson explained that during 2010 and 2011 the USAID Pakistan funding was being used for stabilization, education, energy, humanitarian assistance, health, earthquake reconstruction, social assistance, agriculture, economic growth and governance.
Sisson also said that USAID has provided over 547 million dollars for relief and recovery efforts.
"We work closely with Pakistan government, business community, civil society and NGOs for effective utilization of the USAID funds. Main purpose of USAID projects in Pakistan is to help develop Pakistan and for the better future of people living here." Sisson was quoted, as saying.
He said USAID experts would also help Pakistan in improving its Agriculture Policy Reforms so that the potential available in agriculture sector could be utilized in a better way. (ANI)
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