Trade policy: Trade to be the main agenda of PM’s visit, says Dar

Nawaz to fly to America as finance minister returns.

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will focus on expanding investment and trade cooperation with the United States (US) during his upcoming visit to Washington, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said.

Dar was speaking to media representatives in the US at the conclusion of his visit to Washington, during which he attended more than 50 meetings on the occasion of annual World Bank- International Monetary Fund gatherings, and also had “positive” discussions with US officials on bilateral relations.

The finance minister revealed that American officials assured him during bilateral meetings that an outstanding amount of $322 million from the Coalition Support Fund would be reimbursed to Pakistan shortly.

With regard to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s talks with President Barack Obama on October 23, Dar said the Pakistani leader will advocate trade as the best way to strengthen bilateral relations and call for expansion in trade and investment relations. The prime minister will also interact with American business leaders, Dar added.

Senator Dar said he had a string of useful meetings with American officials including USAID administrator and senior US trade officials.

Budget support for Pakistan from the US is likely to be increased to 35-40% of Pakistan’s budget, from the current 20%.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2013.

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