ISLAMABAD, Sept 30: The United States and Pakistan on Sunday signed a new multi-year agreement for assistance to the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (Fata) for development, amounting to $750 million over the next five years, including $105m being provided this year.

“The United States government on behalf of the American people understands the importance of delivering resources quickly and effectively to bring essential services to the people of the Fata,” US Agency for International Development (USAID) Pakistan mission director, Anne Aarnes, said after signing the bilateral agreement with secretary, economic affairs division, M. Akram Malik.

The USAID director said it was part of the United States long-term commitment to assist Pakistan for development needs of the people of this important region. “We commend the government of Pakistan in establishing the sustainable development plan for the Fata,” Ms Aarnes added.

The new agreement will be used to support programmes in capacity-building, livelihoods, agriculture, micro and small and medium enterprises, health, education and infrastructure development.