Business community here has urged US President George W Bush to announce lifting of all economic sanctions during his visit, to provide direct free market access to Pakistani exporters. Top business leaders in a joint statement here urged the US President to announce direct market access in the US to Pakistani business concerns.
They included Chairman Businessmen Panel Tariq Sayeed, President LCCI Mian Shafqat Ali, SVP Abdul Basit, VP Aftab Ahmad Vohra, Chairman Pak-US Business Council and former president Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik and VP Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jamil Mahboob Magoon.
Tariq Sayeed said President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz attach great importance to strengthening relations with USA, in trade, economic as well as social sectors, and observing that this would prove mutually beneficial, urged that economic sanctions be lifted.
Malik said the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) could play a pivotal role in this regard, being an important channel for trade ties between the two countries and link to American markets. The PM's recent visit to the US would also have a big impact on further promoting economic relations, he added.
Mian Shafqat Ali said Pakistan is an emerging market, rich in opportunities for US investment, and observed that US is already an important trading partner.
The business leaders observed that under the present circumstances, Pakistan will continue to lend support in the fight against terrorism, as it has been a victim of terrorism itself.
They said Islam is a universal religion advocating peace, justice, brotherhood and equal rights for all human beings irrespective of their creed or colour, and abhors violence and terrorism. "There is a need to present Islam in its true perspective, and the Western media should play a positive role to dispel wrong notions that spread fear and mistrust," they observed.
They urged the need to restore relations to the level of pre 9/11 days, adding that good relation between the US and the Muslim Ummah would help restore confidence and attain world peace.
With South Asia becoming the hub of international economic activity, restoration of peace in the region is all the more necessary, they said, and urged the US President to exercise his influence in this connection and help find a just and permanent solution to the Kashmir issue.
Comments
Comments are closed.