Pakistani businessmen encouraged to take part in trade fairs

US official assures them of embassy’s full support in trade promotion

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani companies and entrepreneurs should regularly participate in trade fairs in the US in order to explore business matchmakings and trade promotion opportunities, said US Embassy Economic Officer Trade and Investment Michael Boven.

Addressing the business community at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Boven said that the embassy would fully facilitate them in such pursuits.

He expressed hope that the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the US would help ease tensions between the two countries and help improve trade and economic relations. The official said that the US was willing to provide subject experts to Pakistan to improve the productivity of Pakistani companies.

He called for collaboration between the ICCI and the American Business Council of Pakistan to enhance connectivity between private sectors of both the countries.

"The US Commercial Section wants to create win-win opportunities for the private sectors of both countries and ICCI should cooperate in such efforts."

Also speaking at the occasion, ICCI President Ahmed Hassan Moughal said that Pakistan was more interested in trade with US instead of aid. He urged the US to provide preferential access to Pakistani products entering its market.

He said that many Special Economic Zones (SEZs) would be set up in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the US companies should explore joint ventures and investment in these zones.

Moughal stressed that there should be focus on technology transfer to Pakistan, adding that it could help Pakistani private sector in the value addition of products and increasing of exports.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2019.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.