US-Pakistan Business Council keen on ties

Wants enhanced trade and investment relations.

ISLAMABAD: The US-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) has expressed its support for the 3rd Pakistan-United States Business Opportunities Conference held in Islamabad, welcoming efforts to advance trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The Council’s delegation was led by USPBC President Esperanza Jelalian.  On the sideline of the business conference, members of the Council met with Minister of Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan and Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Tariq Bajwa.

“We are encouraged that government officials remain committed to spur growth, foster investment, and implement economic reforms,” said Jelalian.  “All businesses require stability, predictability, and security to thrive. A reasonable tax structure and transparent customs and tax procedures with proper enforcement can enhance government revenue while supporting the legal and compliant industry and in turn will help American companies view Pakistan as a favorable destination.

“Investors value strong protection of Intellectual Property Rights as a driver of innovation and creativity.  Ad hoc policy changes without consultation of industries hurts business confidence.  We strongly encourage outreach to business and industry towards developing a long term economic policymaking framework that provides consistency in policies.”

 The USPBC also welcomed working-level Trade and Investment Framework Agreement discussions between the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, March  13^th,  2015.

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