Former President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Khalid Freoz has suggested to Senior Commercial Officer US Embassy in Pakistan David McNeil to communicate to his government to take home all the equipment and goods they have in Afghanistan with them when they vacate the country in 2014.
Speaking at a meeting of KCCI with David McNeil, he said that these equipments are now contaminated as per US standards and expressed fear that if Americans left these equipments in Afghanistan they might create serious problem for Pakistan in coming days.
He suggested that a US government should lay a parallel railway track from Afghanistan to Karachi port for transportation of these equipments and as and when transportation work is completed the railway track should be gifted to Pakistan as goodwill gesture.
Criticising US, he said that Pakistan is an energy deficit country and trying to import gas and oil form Iran which US government was opposed to.
He was of the view that US must not interfere in our internal affairs and desist from hindering import of gas and oil from countries in vicinity.
Referring to our railways, he said it is in very bad shape and urged American companies to come forward to revamp this sector. David McNeil said that the purpose of his visit was to get feedback about existing opportunities for American investors in Karachi. He said that whatever information he would gather e will passed on to the American investors for their consideration.
He said that he has no authority to comment on market excess to Pak product in US market, or comment on GSP plus status.
President KCCI, Abdullah Zaki said "we want trade not Aid" and emphasised upon the need of minimising trade barriers between the two countries.
He expressed his believe that by increasing trade and economic activities between two business partners, Pakistan can prosper on a sustainable basis.
He strongly supports the initiatives of the two governments in achieving the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) since this would definitely be the game change that Pakistan is so eagerly looking forward for many years.
He was of the opinion that BIT would enable both the countries to seriously negotiate the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that would bring trade and industry of both the nations closer as it would be a win-win situation for all. Zaki said that Pakistan need urgent out of box solution for duty free import of Pakistani textile products to US, particularly garments, towels, bed sheets and other textile made-ups without waiting or completing the process of FTA and BIT as duty free imports have been allowed to various countries by USA.