ISLAMABAD: The government and the European Union (EU) signed €60 million financing agreement on improved nutrition in Sindh. Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar witnessed the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance on Friday. Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Mr. Shahid Mahmood signed the agreement on behalf of the government of Pakistan, while Ambassador of the EU delegation to Pakistan, Mr. Jean-Francois Cautain signed it from the EU side. Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar speaking on the occasion appreciated EU’s assistance for improving nutrition in Sindh. He said that Pakistan and EU share a long history of cooperation on a wide range of areas. He appreciated EU’s support as a development partner of Pakistan. EU Ambassador Jean-Francois Cautain said that the project would help overcome the problem of malnutrition in the province of Sindh. The scope and objective of the agreement is to primarily increase the capacity of the government of Sindh so that it may efficiently implement its nutrition multi-sectoral policy, while providing direct assistance to significantly and rapidly reduce malnutrition in Sindh. Under this program various activities will be carried out including policy and advocacy, support in improving national procedures, capacity building of local stakeholders, strengthening the Government of Sindh’s nutrition-specific information management systems, and creating awareness about the significance of nutrition related issues. The agreement will also align and actively support the ongoing Accelerated Action Plan for the Reduction of Stunting and Malnutrition in Sindh. Published in Daily Times, July 22nd , 2017.