ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting to review the progress of foreign-funded projects on Saturday. Economic Affairs Division (EAD) secretary gave a detailed briefing on the utilisation of foreign assistance in various sectors, across the country. He apprised the minister of various projects in energy, communication, water, and social sectors being implemented with the assistance of different multilateral and bilateral development partners. The minister was informed that disbursement of foreign assistance to different projects was progressing smoothly. Dar stated that effective utilisation of foreign funds was extremely important to ensure achievement of the objective of ‘accelerated economic development’. He said that the timely completion of development projects must be ensured, while directing the EAD to maintain close contact with the development partners and remove any impediments in the way of implementation of the projects.