ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Sun Weidong and Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Muhammad Saleem Sethi, have signed an agreement on behalf of their respective governments on the award of special grant. According to the agreement, a grant of $10 million in cash will be provided to support Pakistan government in rehabilitation of residents in FATA and promote social development in FATA.
The signing of agreement comes in follow up action of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan in April this year.
It may be mentioned here that China had earlier approved a grant amounting to $129 million for the development and rehabilitation of FATA region. In this regard, various projects and programs will be implemented with assistance of the Chinese government. Moreover, the Government of China has also shown willingness to provide more assistance for up-gradation and betterment of FATA region. On behalf of People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Ambassador conveyed best wishes and greetings to the people of Pakistan for Holy month of Ramadan and Eid.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in a message, welcomed signing of the agreement which he said would help in addressing the issue of TDPs in FATA. He said it was also another good example of the sound Pak-China economic cooperation. Finance Minister Dar added that it was one of the top priorities of the Government to look after the TDPs and make endeavours for their early rehabilitation. The Federal Minister hoped that remaining funds would also be utilized for TDPs as early as possible.
