ISLAMABAD, Nov 21: US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker and Speaker of NWFP Assembly Bakht Jehan Khan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize cooperation between the assembly and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to a press release issued here on Monday the MoU signifies the second phase of USAID’s $14 million parliamentary strengthening programme, which was launched in 2003.

The current phase, which began in September 2005, focuses on capacity building of all the four provincial assemblies, the National Assembly and the Senate. The MoU sets forth the terms of USAID/Parliamentary cooperation.

The MoU signifies the NWFP Assembly’s commitment to improve professionalism among its staff members and legislators so that they carry out parliamentary business in a better way, said Mr Crocker.

Under the project, a training centre will be set up for orientation of parliamentarians in the provincial and national legislatures to help them work in accordance with the rules of business, to develop their committee systems and to improve their outreach to their people, he said.

Similar MoUs have been signed between the US and the other three provincial assemblies, the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan.

USAID is providing development assistance to Pakistan through a five-year $1.5 billion programme.

Through the Legislative Strengthening Programme and the projects to support electoral reforms, strengthen political parties and advance devolution, USAID is helping Pakistan to improve transparency, accountability and competence in its overall governance.

AMERICAN WHEAT: The United States Department of Agriculture is procuring and transporting wheat worth $10 million for Pakistan for survivors of the earthquake.