ISLAMABAD, Jun 14 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Dr.Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has said that the United States had extended $ 190 million aid to Pakistan under compensation programme for flood affected people. The Finance Minister was talking to newsmen after meeting with a US delegation led by Thomas R. Nides, United States Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, here. US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter, Deputy Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan Dan Feldman and other officials were also present in the meeting. The Pakistani side was represented by Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Dr Nadeem Ul Haq, Secretary Finance Dr Waqar Masood and Chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Salman Saddique.
Dr Hafeez Shaikh said it was again explained to the US that “Pakistan wants trade and not aid”.
He said Pakistan was keen to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of power projects, health, education, agriculture and services sectors.
“We held productive negotiations with the US delegation on the promotion of bilateral relations”, he added.
The Minister said that international economic situation, the macro economic challenges being faced by Pakistan and the success achieved by the government on the economic front also came under discussion.
He told the delegation that Pakistan’s exports reached US $ 24 billion during the outgoing financial year.
He said both the sides discussed in detail ways and means to further promote Pak-US bilateral relations specially in the fields of trade and investments.
“We also discussed the promotion of businesses between the private sectors of the two countries”, he added.
The Finance Minister said that Pakistani exporters and traders have the potential to boost export of their products to international markets including the US, if provided a conducive environment.
He appreciated the US for helping Pakistan to face the challenges during the last year’s devastating floods.
He said that Pakistan had received $ 2 billion under Kerry Lugar Bill and assistance for flood victims and “we have set priorities in consultations with the US government we would utilize this amount so that it could benefit the people in the country and its gains should reach to the common man”.
Dr.Abdul Hafeez Shaikh also lauded the efforts of late Richard Halbrook for extending the amount to Pakistan for the welfare of people.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Secretary Of State Thomas R. Nides said that his country recognized the efforts of Minister Shaikh and the entire Government of Pakistan to deal with the serious structural problems that affect Pakistan.
“We acknowledge your commitment to work with the international community to orient Pakistan toward financial security and sustainable growth”, he remarked.
He said that the United States has interest in a stable, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan.
“This is why we are investing in a better future for the Pakistani people through our civilian assistance and educational programs, among the largest we have in the world”, he remarked.
“We have tried to be a good friend to Pakistan. When terrible floods hit your nation last summer, the United States was the first country to provide aid.
We also provided your people with more assistance than any other country”, he added.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that we have fulfilled a commitment we made to the Pakistani people. We have transferred the 190 million dollars we pledged last year to the Citizen’s Damage Compensation Program”, he said.
He said that this money will go directly to help one million Pakistani families.
He added that it will provide tangible help to the Pakistani children, women, and men in need.
“It will help them rebuild their homes, their livelihoods, and hopefully their lives. There are a number of international partners in this effort. The United States is giving a significant portion and making good on our promise to help the people of Pakistan. We will work in cooperation with the government to ensure it is spent transparently, honestly, and effectively for the people of Pakistan”, he remarked.
The Deputy Secretary of State said that this assistance is funded by the American people which demonstrates the commitment of the United States to a comprehensive, long-term cooperation with the Pakistani people.
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