US Consul General in Peshawar, Robert G Reed said Washington believed in long-term relations with Islamabad, for brining economic prosperity, stability and development in this region.
"We need to further improve bilateral economic and trade ties, the role of business community is eminent to bolster mutual relations through joint ventures and collaborative measures," US Consul General stressed while speaking to members of business community here at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry SCCI on Wednesday. On the occasion, SCCI Chief Dr Mohammad Yousuf Sarwar, vice presidents Malik Iftikhar Awan, Mohammad Anees Ashraf, member of executive body, renowned industrialists and leaders of business community were present.
The US delegation comprised Ms Tammy Paltchikov, Consul Public Relations US consulate in Peshawar, Marya Alvarvado, Political/Economic Officer, and Laura Ingram. The US delegation discussed the matters regarding enhancement of bilateral trade relations, exchange of business delegations, development of industrialisation with assistance of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and effective steps for promotion of economic stability and poverty alleviation in this region.
"The US is committed to sustain its development programme and interventions in various sectors, particularly initiatives for addressal issues, like energy, education, health and other interlink problems, said Reed while commenting on remarks of business community.
Referring to recently inaugurated US-funded road project, he said "The Peshawar-Torkham Highway is a gateway to increase trade and economic development in the region." The United States was providing up to 70 million dollars to reconstruct the 46 km road over the next two years, he informed. Earlier, addressing on the occasion, SCCI President Dr Yousuf Sarwar urged the US government to extend support for upgradation of existing industrial estate and infrastructure development, and in energy sector which could be beneficial for war-affected business community of the province.