Islamabad, August 24, 2009 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the launch of its new web site www.usaid.gov/pk today. With a dynamic new look, the new website design provides an overview of USAID/Pakistan's development activities in a user-friendly manner.

"Sharing information is a key factor in strengthening the partnership between the American government and the people of Pakistan. Our on-going programs represent an enduring commitment," expressed Mr. Robert J. Wilson, the Mission Director of USAID in Pakistan. "Our newly-designed website is a dynamic means of documenting the evolution of our rapidly-expanding programs."

With an eye-catching header that reflects Pak-American partnership, the opening page of the website gives an overview of USAID/Pakistan's activities under various development sectors. It provides the most updated news items and links to interesting stories of how USAID interventions touch the lives of Pakistani people.

The online visitor has immediate access to the web site's major topic areas that allow browsing and searching through information about USAID/Pakistan's activities, employment and business opportunity links as well as frequently asked questions. A 'downloads' section provides access to Publications and Mission Fact Sheets.

Enhancements to the web site include:

• Improved Navigation - Web pages work in intuitive and consistent ways, making it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for and know where they are within the web site.
• Improved Look and Feel - Enhanced graphics and the new page layout provide visitors with an improved user experience.
• New Features - New features on the web site include print-friendly versions of the web pages, news and events notices, and a composite, user-friendly menu bar that runs across the entire website. This is further aided by a unique context-sensitive right column that makes it easy for the reader to quickly access the relevant pages.

While the appearance and high-level organization of the web site are enhanced, the address remains the same. Existing bookmarks will continue to work.

Since 2002, the US Government has provided more than $3.4 billion to Pakistan for improvements in economic growth, education, health, governance, and assistance for earthquake reconstruction.