Sartaj asks U.K to extend DFID programme in Sindh and Balochistan

LONDON, April 22:Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that the Department of International Development (DFID)’s programme has been progressing well in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and underscored the need to expand it to Sindh and Balochistan as well.
Sartaj Aziz stated in meetings with British Cabinet Members under Pak-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD). As part of the discussions under the annual Ministerial review of the ESD, Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs held talks with Lord Mark Price, Minister of State for Trade and Investment and Rt Hon Justine Greening, Secretary of State for International development.
In the meeting with Lord Price, the Adviser highlighted the steps taken by the Government to revive the economy and address the energy crisis. While appreciating UK’s support in the areas of trade and investment, he stressed on the need to further enhance cooperation to meet and exceed the bilateral trade target of £3 billion.
The Adviser underscored the importance of visits of trade delegations to promote economic activity, and emphasized on streamlining the issuance of visas to business community. He also invited British investment in a number of sectors including renewable energy, manufacturing, energy infrastructure, railways, telecom and information technology.
Lord Price appreciated the economic turnaround in Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan offered opportunities for the British companies to invest in diverse areas.
He also expressed UK’s interest in the projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The two sides agreed to revise and update the Trade and Investment roadmap to strengthen economic cooperation.-DNA