Challenge Fund Grant: 'USAID providing $200,000 to businessmen, innovative people in Pakistan'

USAID Mission for Pakistan's Director Julie Ann on Monday said that the USAID is providing $200,000 as "Challenge Fund Grant" to businessmen and innovative people, thus building future of Pakistan's trade sector.

"New businesses and innovative approach in industrial sector not only help flourish economy but also improve industrial production and increase employment opportunities," Julie Ann said during a meeting with Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, here on Monday. US Consul General Catherine Rodriguez was also present.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation in the ongoing USAID projects, Pak-US relations, Kashmir issue and regional situation.

Governor Punjab said that Pakistan and US are getting closer together, and relationship between Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President is also exemplary.

He said that all the global powers including America should play their role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

"Indian war hysteria and atrocities against innocent people of occupied Kashmir has put the regional peace at stake," he said, adding: "Pakistan has always talked for peace, however, peace cannot be restored in the region without settlement of Kashmir dispute."

He said that active cooperation by USAID to Pakistan in various fields including health and education is a good omen.

"We also thanked the US government for its support to promote Pakistan's business sector," he added.

While talking to Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism delegation led by its President Venerable Wonhaeng, the governor assured that cultural heritage of Budhmat in Taxila will not only be fully conserved but also be renovated.

For the first time in Pakistan, an International Budhmat Conference will be organized and followers of Budhmat religion from across the world will be invited to the conference, he said.

He said Pakistan government is working actively to promote religious tourism in the country. Kartarpur Corridor Project has been appreciated by Sikh community worldwide, and now we will conserve and renovate the holy places of Budhmat, Christianity and other minorities, he added.

"I am sure you will go back with a message of love and peace from Pakistan and will tell the world that Pakistan is a peace loving country where tourists are provided complete security and other facilities," he said. Venerable Wonhaeng said, "We do appreciate the Punjab governor's announcement regarding holding of International Budhmat Conference. Lahore is a historic city and we have received unmatched love and affection in Pakistan. We do tell our countrymen that Pakistan is a peaceful country."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019