PESHAWAR, Dec 8: The United States is keen to put the Federally Administered Tribal Areas on the path to progress and prosperity.

USAID economic growth bureau director Stephen Hadley, during a visit to the offices of the Tribal Areas Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Tacci) on Friday, said that owing to the US interest in Fata, Washington was in constant contact with traders and businessmen there. He held a meeting with the chamber’s office-bearers to review the steps taken for the development of tribal areas.

Tacci vice-president Tamash Khan apprised the USAID officials of the problems faced by traders and industrialists of Fata. Mr Hadley said the tribal areas needed steps aimed at promoting industrial and trade development as badly as it required health-care and education facilities.

He pointed out that the tribal areas had natural resources in abundance and to take the finished products to international markets, the USAID would provide all-out support to traders and industrialists of Fata. “The Tacci would always be taken into confidence before finalising developmental strategy for tribal areas,” remarked Mr Hadley, adding that the proposals of Tacci would get proper consideration as it was a representative body of Fata traders.

He expressed resentment over the non-availability of electricity for industrial activities in the tribal areas and assured the Tacci office-bearers that the USAID would help the region take to the path to progress and prosperity.