FAISALABAD, Nov 16: The United States is willing to assist Pakistan in hydel power projects to overcome its energy crisis crippling the industry.

This was stated by US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter on Wednesday while addressing a students gathering at Syndicate Hall of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

“The educational budget in Pakistan is shrinking; however, Washington is trying to help Islamabad ameliorate the situation. Pakistan has an exclusive demographic dividend having more than 70 million young population, a symbol of hope for its development.”

Munter said US Agency for International Development had been promoting institutional as well as people-to-people contacts by investing in education and developing social sectors in Pakistan. He said US offered various scholarships in fine arts, international relations and social sciences to enhance the capacity of Pakistan's professionals.

He stressed the need for launching a campaign about sensitising the people about the precautions to avert climate change disasters. “It is a matter of concern the water resources are shrinking day by day, leading to floods and water scarcity in future.”

The envoy said his country would provide an equal opportunity to Pakistan to export its goods to US on competitive grounds.

He urged Pakistan to bring about major reforms to attract foreign investment.

The ambassador was flanked by his wife Dr Marilyn Wyatt and US Consul-General Nina Fite.

Earlier, UAF Vice-Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmed apprised the ambassador about the ongoing educational and research activities and future prospects of the university.