Governor calls for diversifying US ties

Stresses people-to-people contact to boost mutual trade, investment

LAHORE:

Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman has said the US was Pakistan's largest export market and there was a need to further diversify mutual trade and investment relationship between the two countries.

He expressed these views during meeting with US Consul General William K Makaneole who paid a farewell call on him at the Governor House on Thursday.

The governor appreciated the diplomatic efforts of outgoing US Consul General in improving Pakistan-US relations.

He also lauded William K Makaneole's active role in the agreement of declaring State of California and Punjab as sister state. “People-to-people contact is very important. There should be more exchange of students and teachers between Pakistan and United States,” the governor lauded.

“Pakistan's relations with the United States constitute an important element of its foreign policy. United State's cooperation with Pakistan in various fields is commendable, especially in the field of education and health.”

The governor said bilateral trade between the two countries needs to be expanded further.

The governor further said that climate change was a very important issue at the international level and Pakistan had to face devastating flash floods due to climate change.

“Environmental changes are also having a major impact on Pakistan's agriculture.” He said that as the chancellor, he has formed a consortium on environment.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2023.