'Friendly Globalization' And Socio-Economic Development v. Violence? ...[Marshall Plans In Times Of International Financial and Economic Crisis]

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..."Pakistan, in a Friends of Pakistan ministerial meeting on Friday, is expected to present a wish-list of projects worth $30 billion that it wants to see implemented over the next 10 years.

The projects include hydro-electric dams, roads, and projects aimed at improving security in the violence-plagued northwest.

A U.N. official hoped the talks would lead to longer-term dialogue to support socio-economic development.

"The Friends of Pakistan will show, through their pledges, that they are ready to stand by Pakistan in its development process, that Pakistan is not alone in its struggle," Fikret Akcura, Resident Representative for the U.N. Development Program in Pakistan, told Reuters. "And hopefully this commitment will continue, that it's not short-term effort."

But EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said a 10-year commitment was too long for donors." ...

Reuters "Japan to Pledge $1 Billion to Pakistan Amid Worries" New York Times April 16, 2009

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Header photo and map credits: (c) National Geographic Society 2002. Copyright controlled. International Monetary Fund, Washington, D.C.