PM for early agreement on free trade with US

Promotion of economic activities urged.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday called for an early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and United States to promote economic activity.

A PM House statement issue here said that while talking to a US Congressional delegation led by Doug Lamborn at the PM House, the prime minister said the economic activity would address the issue of poverty and unemployment, particularly in the under-developed and militancy affected areas.

Gilani referred to President Karzai’s forthcoming visit to Pakistan during which the Inaugural Session of Joint Commission on Reconciliation between the two countries is scheduled along with the launching of Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.

Saying that Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US being part of the core group, have to have strategic coherence among them for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan. He termed Pakistan-US relationship as significant in the context of how they can shape the future of this region and called for joint endeavours to ensure maximum utilisation of the potential for economic development in Afghanistan as well as the region at large.

The members of US Congressional delegation assured the prime minister that despite strong sentiments in the US Congress for reducing the budget deficit and cutting down on foreign aid, the economic assistance to Pakistan would continue.

They welcomed prime minister’s proposal for Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and US and recognised the need that US should help Pakistan address the root causes of extremism, to win the hearts and minds of people of Pakistan in the larger interest of continuing the strategic partnership.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2011.