US-Pakistan 'Green Alliance' Framework Improves Climate-smart Agriculture, Promotes Sustainable Economic Growth

The United States and Pakistan have a long history of working together to advance sustainable economic growth. The USAID-Pakistan Climate Financing Activity will help facilitate Pakistan’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy [9fbe054b]. The Green Alliance framework presents Pakistan with significant economic prospects by acknowledging that green alternatives are not only environmentally beneficial but also increasingly lucrative and sought after by private markets. The United States supported Pakistan’s “Green Revolution” in the 1960s to improve agricultural crop yields and strengthen food security. The US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework aims to foster inclusive, sustainable economic growth through the expansion of bilateral trade and investment, as well as the generation of new jobs, industries, and opportunities [9fbe054b].

Several initiatives and collaborative efforts have been launched in alignment with the Green Alliance framework, including projects related to clean energy, water management, and agriculture. The USAID has supported various projects in Pakistan, such as the Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP) project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which aims to address water management challenges and uplift rural communities. The USAID has also committed $44 million to new US-Pakistani diaspora investment initiatives, supporting sectors such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor chip designing, and flood-affected communities [9fbe054b].

The US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework continues to advance water management, clean energy, and climate-smart agriculture. The USAID has partnered with the Pakistani Government to promote electric vehicles and renewable energy investments. The USAID Investment and Climate Summit and the Pakistan Climate Financing Activity further demonstrate the commitment to sustainability and climate resilience in Pakistan [9fbe054b].

The United States Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer highlighted US efforts to promote economic growth and the role of US business in Pakistan’s agriculture sector during his visit to South Punjab. The US has supported the mango industry in Pakistan through the provision of advanced graders for processing facilities, which has helped improve technology, reduce labor costs, meet international quality standards, and expand exports. A USAID project from 2015-2019 improved the competitiveness of Pakistan’s commercial agriculture and livestock sectors, attracting $80 million in private sector investment and creating over 12,000 jobs. DCM Schofer emphasized the close cooperation through the US-Pakistan ‘Green Alliance’ Framework to expand climate-smart agriculture, clean energy, and effective water management. US companies in Pakistan employ approximately 120,000 people and provide research and development capabilities [4ea8cc16].

In addition to the collaboration between the United States and Pakistan, there is also a focus on addressing environmental challenges in Central Asia. The Jamestown Foundation think tank hosted The Green 5+1 for Central Asia event on April 25 in Washington, D.C. to examine Central Asia’s environmental challenges and discuss cooperation between Central Asian states and the United States in addressing the impact of climate change, water management, and energy transition in the region [2f0910f8]. U.S. experts expressed concern about the environmental situation in Central Asia, which requires attention from the global community and large investments in restoration or rehabilitation, including the transition to a green economy [2f0910f8].

Brian Stimmler, Director of the Central Asia Division of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, stated that the U.S. is developing strategies to address common vulnerabilities in Central Asia’s water, energy, and food sectors. Sarah Cameron, Associate Professor of History at the University of Maryland, noted that the United States is also facing the problem of shrinking bodies of water, such as the Great Salt Lake, similar to the Aral Sea. Mary Melnyk, the Environmental Security and Resilience Division Chief of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Asia Bureau, expressed concern about the reduction of glaciers, which will become a serious problem in the region, not only for water supply but also for the habitat of snow leopards. Sanjay Srivastava, Practice Manager for Environment, Natural Resources Management and the Blue Economy in Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank, highlighted that the regional Sustainable Landscapes program has $242 million in concessional loan funds, a trust fund of nearly $13 million, and an additional $5 million available from other sources [2f0910f8].

The collaboration between the United States and Central Asian countries is facilitated through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which has engaged the United States with the five Central Asian states: Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In November 2023, the Central Asian states and the United States established the B5+1 business platform to boost economic integration [2f0910f8].

The US-Pakistan and Central Asian collaborations aim to address environmental challenges, promote sustainable development, and transition to a green economy. These initiatives demonstrate the commitment of the United States to work with partner countries to mitigate the impact of climate change, ensure water security, and promote economic growth through environmentally friendly practices.

The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Power Central Asia activity, has delivered a Light Detection and Ranging unit to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy. The technology will provide accurate wind measurements to support the development of renewable energy projects and attract investment. Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibrayev stated that the equipment will enhance the use of renewable energy sources, improve financial forecasts, and accelerate the introduction of wind farms in Kyrgyzstan. The USAID Power Central Asia activity has also trained local technical staff in the use of the wind measurement equipment. The activity aims to improve the performance of Central Asia's energy sectors by introducing clean energy production methods, boosting energy security, and expanding cross-border electricity trade. Since 2020, USAID has facilitated the installation of 2,241 Megawatts of clean energy capacity in the region [a01cca20].