ISLAMABAD, AUG 18, SPA -- The United States and Pakistan have signed a $22.1 million agreement to support local governance, strengthen parliamentary institutions and provide assistance to promote fair elections in Pakistan, says an official statement. Under the agreement, the United States Agency for International Development or USAID will fund programmes, which are implemented in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations. The bilateral agreement was signed by USAID Director in Pakistan Jonathan Addleton and Pakistan Economic Affairs Division Secretary Khalid Saeed."Whether through the support of an institute for legislative services in parliament or by  working with district governments, USAID's governance programs are designed to increase communication between the government and citizenry and improve the ability of public institutions to serve the people,” Addleton said on the occasion. The programme aimed to improve district governments' ability to deliver high-quality public services efficiently, particularly health and education services. Additionally, the programme will help district governments and members of the private sector create and implement local economic development plans. This year, the programme will be launched in two districts each in Punjab and Sindh Provinces, and one district each in Balochistan and North West Frontier Province. Other USAID programmes are designed to make national and state legislatures work more effectively.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/383515