Statement on U.S. Donation of 50,000 Tons of Wheat to Pakistan

17 December 2008

(U.S. committed to replenish Pakistan’s wheat supply)

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United States Embassy
Islamabad, Pakistan]
December 17, 2008

U.S. Donates 50,000 tons of Wheat to Pakistan

Islamabad, December 17, 2008: U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson and Economic Affairs Division Secretary Farrakh Qayyum signed an agreement on Wednesday under which the United States will provide 50,000 tons of wheat to Pakistan. This donation will help Pakistan’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock replenish its wheat stocks.

The United States Department of Agriculture is donating $18 million dollars to procure and transport 50,000 tons of U.S. soft white wheat to Pakistan. The donation will be made under USDA's Food for Progress program, administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service.

“We are committed to supporting our friend and long-time ally in ensuring that adequate wheat supplies are available to meet the food needs of the people of Pakistan,” said Ambassador Patterson.

“We are very pleased that USDA's Food for Progress program will help to improve the quality of life available to the Pakistani people."