The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) works in concert with the U.S. Department of State on behalf of the American people to “promote and demonstrate democratic values abroad, and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.” This Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) defines USAID’s development assistance priorities for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for five years (2018-2023) and directly supports the President’s South Asia Strategy. The CDCS advances U.S. interests through focused development approaches that meet Pakistan’s most pressing needs of greater security, economic growth, and improved governance. Its strategic focus on regional partners facilitates greater cross-border (Afghanistan-Pakistan) trade. In terms of specific U.S. economic interests, the CDCS seeks to improve the business enabling environment to encourage private sector investment, appeal to more U.S. businesses to operate in Pakistan and attract U.S. products and services to this growing market.

USAID/Pakistan’s CDCS will guide the use of USAID-managed foreign assistance resources to achieve a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Pakistan. The CDCS charts a forward-looking path that works to strengthen self-reliance, by supporting the United States and Pakistan’s shared development goals and sustaining this important strategic relationship in South Asia. The CDCS promotes greater private-sector engagement in development and more strategic efforts to harness the energy and aspirations of a growing youth population and marginalized communities. These steps will help Pakistan realize its enormous regional and international potential. As USAID/Pakistan’s development strategy delves into U.S. national security interests--elevating efforts in preventing violent extremism (VE), and ensuring the safety of the U.S. homeland, as well as for Pakistan citizens. As the tribal areas within the Afghanistan/Pakistan border were once a major hub for terrorist groups--and is just recovering from military action in addressing these issues--it is important that Pakistan maintain gains from these campaigns--ensuring VE groups do not come back into the area, while also providing support to the population.