Ms Nina Maria Fite, US Consular General, has said that the United States and Pakistan have a strong relationship based on a mutual commitment to security and stability. "Pakistan and United States are natural trade and investment partners." She notes that the US is Pakistan's top trade partner and largest customer.
She was delivering a speech at Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) chaired by President Anis A Sheikh. Nina said US Commercial Service in Pakistan is responsible for US export development activities and provides services to the US businesses. It offers many trade promotion services to both American and Pakistani companies that provide valuable marketing intelligence-enabling profitable business in Pakistan.
Pakistan's major export commodities include textiles such as bed linens, garments, cotton, and yarn. Other transported products are rice, leather, carpets and rugs, chemicals, and sporting goods. The imports products of Pakistan include petroleum, plastics, machinery, iron and steel, transportation equipment, and paper. Issues have arrived throughout the years that have threatened peaceful relations between the US and Pakistan, but once Pakistan agreed to support the US campaign to eliminate the Taliban in Afghanistan and to join the US in efforts against terrorism, the relationship has been strengthened.
A letter of intent was also signed to upgrade major road infrastructure in north-west Pakistan, as well as implementation agreements for three thermal power station rehabilitation projects that will aid in combating electricity shortages within the country.
Pakistan is country bursting with economic potential. Although false rumours, terrorist attacks, and unstable conditions may threaten the alliance between the US and Pakistan, both nations are hopeful for a continued peaceful relationship. She said that US had provided an aid of $15 million for GENCO thermal power station to increase its generation capacity.
She stressed the need for the exchange of trade delegations to enhance the investment and strengthening the trade ties. She avoided to respond to M.Anis Khawaja President of DGCCI about Pak-Iran gas pipeline agreement and said that Pakistan should launch short-term project to meet its energy crisis and it should not execute long-term projects.
On the question of Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi, she replied that his point of view might be considered. He said that United States should purchase the value-added products, which were manufactured of the cotton imported from America. This facility would help in increasing the bilateral trade.
Former President of FPCCI Tanvir A Sheikh said that United States should provide financial assistance for Hydal power projects to generate the cheaper energy instead of financing for Thermal power project. He said that US should play its role to execute the gigantic project of Kalabagh Dam by convincing the stakeholders. He said that this project was highly politicised by the vested interests.
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