US Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker stated that the United States was committed to finding ways to broaden our commercial relationship with Pakistan. During his visit to the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, Crocker said; "the Bilateral Investment Treaty represents an important step in our new economic relationship".
He said: "Rapid conclusion of this treaty is in the interests of both the countries and will increase American investor confidence in Pakistan. We are proposing the creation of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones in historically disadvantaged regions of Pakistan, particularly the Afghan border areas and the earthquake zones", says a press release issued here.
Regarding International Women's Day he stressed on the need for more female entrepreneurship in Pakistan, especially in areas like silver jewellery making in Bahawalpur'. He added that economy could not grow unless half of the population was not actively encouraged to participate in it. Condemning the recent sectarian attacks in Punjab he said that Islam or any other religion had no place for terrorism.
During his visit to the Sufi shrines in Uch Sharif, the Ambassador said that the Sufis brought the message of peace and tolerance in the subcontinent which was important in today's troubled times. "I congratulate all those who are working for developing inter-sectarian and inter-faith dialogue. Efforts to build bridges the gaps among faith communities, which will help Pakistan realise the Quaid's vision of a nation where all are free to practice the religion of their choice," the US Ambassador said.
Ambassador Crocker concluded by saying that the US remains committed to work with the Pakistani government and the people to counter extremism. "All of us can and must do more hand-in-hand to eliminate such groups wherever we find," he urged.-PR