US consul general hopeful of strong Pakistan-US ties

Business community seeks duty-free access to US market


APP August 08, 2018
PHOTO:FILE

LAHORE: There is optimism about the future of Pakistan-US relationship and the private sector of both sides can play a vital role in this regard, said US Consul General Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau.

During her visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday, she said exchange of trade delegations, close contacts between the private sector of the two countries and awareness sessions could help boost mutual trade. Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid expressed satisfaction over growing trade between Pakistan and the US.

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Quoting a report, he said the volume of bilateral trade touched a record high at $6 billion in 2017, which was ample proof of the immense trade and economic potential in the two countries.

Javaid said the business community wanted the US to consider duty-free access for Pakistani merchandise, stressing that economic stability of Pakistan through prompt direct access to the US market was a must.

“Aid or grant is undoubtedly a remedy, but has never been a substitute to trade,” he added. Javaid said the US would achieve two goals through that gesture; first, it would win the hearts of Pakistanis and second, it would be able to fulfil the promise of economic revival of Pakistan.

‘Pakistan needs to offer similar incentives to US’

There was a vast scope for US investors to make investment in several sectors including power, textile, auto, health, education, food, livestock and dairy. Therefore, the US administration must convince potential investors to pour money into joint ventures with Pakistanis besides ensuring transfer of latest technology, he said.

Talking about energy shortage, Javaid said it was the biggest hurdle to economic growth and urged the US to facilitate Pakistan in the use of civil nuclear technology for power generation.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8th, 2018.

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