LAHORE: Private sectors of Pakistan and United States should play a vital role in strengthening trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Talking to the US Economic and Political Officer, US Embassy Islamabad Andrew Douhler here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder and Vice President Nasir Saeed said that great potential exists in both countries, which could be exploited through business-to-business contacts and joint ventures in various economic sectors.
Douhler said that the US Consulate was playing commendable role in developing working relations with various segments of society in general and business community in particular.
They said that USA has been a very important trading partner of Pakistan since decades. They said that there are very few countries against whom Pakistan experiences favourable balance of trade. They said that considering the role, Pakistan has been playing for USA in various fields; Pakistan business community expect to have greater access to US market.
The LCCI office-bearers said that Business to Business contacts hold key to exploit the untapped potential of trade. For that matter, frequent exchange of trade delegations was very important.
They said that last year, a trade delegation from Lahore Chamber visited US and the delegates had successful meetings with their American counterparts. They said that visits of delegations from US to Pakistan on reciprocal basis could play important role to increase the mutual trade.
They said that Pakistan is currently facing challenges in retaining FDI as well as attracting new investors to focus Pakistan for investments. He urged the US Consulate to play a positive role to promote investment in Pakistan.
They said that transfer of technology is another way to improve the current situation. The interaction of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of the two countries can be instrumental in this connection.
