ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) Alvaro Lario signed a “Host Country Agreement” between Pakistan and IFAD here on Tuesday.
As per the agreement, IFAD would soon set up a country office in Islamabad.
According to a press release issued by Foreign Office, the FO spokesman said that the agreement would formalize the already existing substantial cooperation between IFAD and Pakistan, adding that IFAD had a current portfolio of US$ 673 million across Pakistan, which stood as the second highest IFAD undertaking in the world.
🔊: PR NO. 1️⃣5️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣
Host Country Agreement signed between Pakistan and IFAD
🔗⬇️https://t.co/06ycXCGtJb pic.twitter.com/pGjAyaqId1
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 25, 2023
IFAD Projects in Pakistan
At present, there are five ongoing IFAD projects in different areas of Pakistan, including Baluchistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and South Punjab, whereas a sixth project would be commenced in Sindh province.
IFAD projects are related to the areas of climate change, nutrition, women empowerment, and youth engagement.
IFAD is a significant partner for Pakistan in its efforts towards ensuring national food security, rural poverty reduction, and climate resilience, the press release maintained.
