A wide range of issues, including free market access to Pakistan by the US, provision of civil nuclear technology to overcome ongoing electricity shortage, early establishment of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs), increased US investment in Pakistan, and transfer of technology came under discussion in an orientation meeting between US officials and Pakistani businessmen here on Wednesday.
Chief Political, Economic Officer of US Consulate Ms Karan Swaner and Economic Officer Robert Hawkins had a detailed meeting with LCCI office-bearers and the Executive Committee. The meeting continued for well over an hour. Various issues came under discussion and views were also exchanged to materialise plans regarding establishment of RoZs and more US investment in Pakistan.
The LCCI President, Shahzad Ali, Senior Vice President Mohammad Arshad, Executive Committee Members Zahid Javaid, Shahid Raza, Tanvir Ahmad Sufi, Khawar Rashid, Ilyas Majid, Saeeda Nazar, Regional Director Pak-US Business Council Rehmatullah Javed and Ms Mariam Mamdot gave their points of view as to how the bilateral trade could get a boost in shortest possible time.
Shahzad informed the US officials that economic stability of Pakistan through prompt direct market access to US is a must. He said: "It is high time for United States to fully support Pakistan's economy on top priority in this crucial phase." He said Pakistan only needs immediate direct market access to its traditional and non-traditional products and not any kind of aid or grant. "Aid or grant is a remedy but has never been substitute to trade. Market access will help rehabilitate and reconstruct the totally damaged basic industrial infrastructure besides generating jobs of millions of jobless people," he added.
The LCCI President said if the United States was sincere with Pakistan, it must fulfil all commitments made on different occasions regarding Reconstruction of Opportunity Zones. He said there was vast scope for US investors to make investment in several sectors including power, textile, food, livestock, diary and petroleum etc. The US administration must convince the potential investors to put their money in joint ventures with Pakistanis, he said. He also urged the US officials to help Pakistan for transfer latest technology to Pakistan as Pakistan has a great potential to become economic power in the region.
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