ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Pakistan and UK agreed on
Tuesday to commence formal discussions for finalizing a new
Development Partnership Agreement (DPA) between the two
countries for the next ten years, incorporating mutually
agreed areas of cooperation.
The current DPA (2006-6) is due to expire in September
2016.
The agreement was made during a meeting between Finance
Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Ms Justine Greening,
UK Secretary of State for International Development here at
the PM House.
Matters pertaining to Pak-UK economic cooperation were
also discussed on the occasion.
The two leaders also exchanged views on different
aspects of international development.
The Finance Minister apprised Ms. Greening of the
efforts made by the present government for revival of economy
and the consequent improvement in economic indicators during
the last three years.
He also acknowledged the support of development partners
including the the UK Department for International Development
(DFID) for economic reform initiatives of the government.
Finance Minister also shared with Ms Greening the
success achieved in Zarb e-Azb.
He said that gains made against militancy and extremism
are now being consolidated through rehabilitation of these
areas as well as through introduction of administrative and
governance reforms.
Ms Greening stated that the UK is a long-time partner of
Pakistan and would continue to support the reform initiatives
aimed at enhancing economic growth and development.
She said “the Government of Pakistan had risen to
the challenge in the last three years”.
She complimented the Minister on his able handling of
the economy and said that the visible improvements in economic
conditions are a “tribute to your leadership”.
She said that the improvements in security situation are
also visible and encouraging.
Senior officials of Finance Division, Economic Affairs
Division and UK High Commission attended the meeting.
