Islamabad, July 15, 2023 (PPI-OT):United States Consul General to Lahore William K. Makaneole visited the district of Okara as part of the U.S. Consulate Lahore’s efforts to visit all of Punjab’s districts. Through these visits the U.S. Consulate Lahore aims to strengthen people-to-people ties with all of Punjab and explore economic opportunities outside Lahore, including agri-business and Pakistan’s tourism industry.
While at the Corteva Agriscience Farm and Research Center, Mr. Makaneole also promoted the U.S. – Pakistan Green Alliance initiative. “The U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance is a framework that will help us jointly meet the climate, economic, agriculture, and energy challenges of the present and future. The United States is working alongside Pakistan as it strengthens climate resilience, pursues energy transformation, and fosters inclusive economic growth, including through initiatives relating to agriculture, energy, water, and more.”
Consul General Makaneole also visited the Renela Khurd hydel power plant, established by the famous philanthropist and civil engineer Sir Ganga Ram. Mr. Makaneole noted, “The United States and Pakistan have a partnership in clean energy that goes back to the 1960s. Our achievements in the energy sector are a source of immense pride for both countries, including adding over 4,000 megawatts of power capacity, enough to supply power to over 47 million people.” At the recent Energy Security Dialogue, the two governments made new commitments to advance energy cooperation and the U.S. announced new programs in Pakistan, including a $500,000 project to restore electricity infrastructure in flood-affected areas in Sindh.
Mr. Makaneole also visited the Star School in Wasawawela village. Since 1950, the United States and Pakistan have promoted mutual understanding through educational and professional exchange programs. Pakistan has the largest U.S. government-funded Fulbright program in the world and the largest Fulbright foreign student program. He also visited the grain market in the village and praised the efforts of the local farmers and business community. He said, “The U.S. government has worked to develop trade and investment ties, encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and support women’s economic empowerment.”
Consul General Makaneole emphasized the importance of the U.S-Pakistan partnership for expanding people-to-people ties between the two countries. “Our countries have been good partners for over 75 years. As diverse democracies, our two nations have substantial shared interests and values, something reflected in our partnership and the many kinds of cooperation that support it,” Consul General Makaneole commented.
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