PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has stressed simplification of visa process, joint mechanism mutual collaboration through joint ventures to strengthen Pak-U.S mutual trade and economic relations.
The current trade volume between Pakistan and United States doesn’t reflect true potential of each of the countries, which can be improved by launching joint ventures, exchange of business delegations, improve access of Pakistani products to American market, and collaborative initiatives, said President SCCI Junaid Altaf while exchanging views during a meeting with Mr Tom Eckert, U.S Consul General in Peshawar at Chamber House, said a press release issued here.
Mr Eckert, who was accompanied by Ms Kathleen Gibilisco, Senior Economic Officer and Shahid Khan, a Senior Officer of the consulate stated his country wants to improve mutual cooperation and economic and trade ties with Pakistan.
“We are trying to explore business and trade opportunities to further improve mutual trade volume with Pakistan, the diplomat said, and expressed willingness of long-term engagement with SCCI to take equal benefits from common objectives,” the diplomat said.
SCCI Senior Vice president Muhammad Nadeem, WCCI Peshawar President Qurtul Ain, Senior Vice President Zaraa Imtiaz, and Vice President Zareen Akhtar, Secretary General of the Chamber Muqtasid Ahsan and others were present on the occasion.
Mr. Eckert said the U.S consulate is making vigorous efforts to build up strong linkages and proactive engagement with the business community for cementing commercial ties.
President SCCI Junaid Altaf enlightened that KP is the gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, adding that KP is the most suitable and lucrative destination for the foreign investors.
He said there is huge potential to expand the Pak-U.S mutual trade and economic relations. Vast opportunities were available in oil, gas, mining, gems, jewelry, marble, pharma, honey, horticulture, tourism and other important sectors in KP, he added.
The diplomat emphasised the synergized efforts and joint initiatives to remove hurdles in mutual trade and export between U.S and Pakistan.
He asserted that establishment of strong connections, transformation of technology and knowledge-sharing and enhancing capacity building are the most important that would lead to address the many problems, which were being faced by the business community.
All efforts and joint initiatives would lead to strengthen the U.S-Pak mutual trade and economic relations, Mr Eckert remarked.
President Junaid Altaf highlighted the NOC, border related issues and stated SCCI along with government and relevant institutions were trying hard to create an enabling environment for investors and supporting every effort for establishment of peace and stability.
The SCCI chief appreciated the initiatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for ease of doing business, promotion of trade and export, and establishing a business-friendly climate in the country.
The diplomat acknowledged the ordeals of the traders due to closure of the border and mentioned that the move has had immense inflationary impacts.
He stressed the mutual collaboration in IT, AI, Human Resource Development, Institutional Collaboration, Leadership, Capacity along with product international certification, etc in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
