The Pakistan government Wednesday identified energy and food security as key areas of cooperation with America as it began preparing the ground for the next round of its Strategic Dialogue with the US.
Chairing a meeting to prepare for the dialogue, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said energy and food security are key sectors where Pakistan can seek US aid.
Pakistan needs large investment in energy and ministries should finalise operational plans and identify potential areas of cooperation with the US, he said.
The ministries should work in an institutionalised manner and enhance coordination to achieve optimal results despite resource constraints, he said.
Gilani directed the Food and Agriculture Ministry to work out a strategy to enhance exports of agricultural products to the US.
Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh told the meeting that potential areas of cooperation with the US have already been identified in the field of food, agriculture, livestock, water and power, IT and education.
Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said out of the 32 medium and small dams identified to be built in cooperation with the US, operational plans have been prepared for 12 dams in Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
{{/usCountry}}Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said out of the 32 medium and small dams identified to be built in cooperation with the US, operational plans have been prepared for 12 dams in Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
{{/usCountry}}Ashraf also apprised the premier about progress in negotiations with the US for building thermal and wind power projects and revamping other projects.