FAISALABAD: US Consulate Lahore is to offer human resource development for Pakistan. In this regard, about 10.000 students will complete their Ph.Ds in US universities, said Yuriy Fedkiw, Consul General, US Consulate Lahore during his visit to Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI). The meeting was attended by the prominent industrialists and trading community.
He further said that US Consulate General Lahore has already offered English Language Course free of cost in University of Agriculture and Government College University in Faisalabad under ‘Linken Corner Program’. Moreover, in collaboration with the FCCI, the US Consulate Lahore will offer seminars, workshops and awareness programs on business opportunities in USA and Pakistan. In this regard, experts on solar power generation and safety and personal security protection programs will be offered accordingly.
He acknowledged the rapid industrialization, commerce and trade activities in Punjab and termed Punjab as a future business hub of the country. He further appreciated FCCI activities for promoting commerce and trade.
Later on Hassan Raza Commercial Specialist briefed about the trade and commerce activities of US Consulate whereby US Consulate is organizing three delegations for USA and offered services and information about GSP Webner
Earlier, in his address of welcome Engineer Muhammad Saeed Sheikh said that Pakistan and USA have always enjoyed extremely cordial and friendly relations. US have been a valuable partner in Pakistan’s efforts for national development and peace, stability and economic development.
He further said that no doubt that USA is Pakistan’s largest trading partner but still trade volume is far below the potential and there is a wider scope to enhance the bilateral trade.
He added that during the last decade, economy of Pakistan has suffered huge loss due to the war against terrorism whereby the US Government has not offered compensation reciprocally.
Continuing, President FCCI said that in fiscal year 2016 bilateral trade stood at US $ 5.72 billion in favor of Pakistan. Pakistan exported US$ 3.62 billion worth of goods to USA while USA’s exports to Pakistan stood at US$ 2.10 billion and aimed to increase this level that requires not only greater access to US markets but also transfer of technology. He suggested for further preferences from US Government under its GSP program and Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).
He highlighted that Pakistan being an agrarian economy and 5th largest producer of milk, suggested joint ventures in agro-based and agri-value addition projects where USA can provide know-how and expertise in these sectors. Pakistan economy is moving ahead and mega infrastructure project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is launched, further he proposed joint ventures in transportation sector where huge potential exists.
He told that there is need to continue dialogue on the pending issues of Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to tap the investment potential between both the countries.
Mian Javid, Syed Zia Alamdaar Hussain, Engr. Suhail Bin Rasheed, Engr. Ihtesham Javaid, and Mr. Rizwan Ashraf also participated in question answer session.
