SIALKOT: United States (US) Consulate Lahore Consul General Zachary Harkenrider on Thursday said that the US wanted long-term Pak-US economic cooperation and enhanced trade relationship particularly in oil and gas sectors.
“Around $150 million are available for small businesses in Pakistan,” he expressed these views while addressing a meeting at Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) during his visit.
Despite all challenges, he said the government of Pakistan was bent upon improving trade and industrial sectors.
He appreciated the role of the SCCI in constructing an airport and launching other development projects. He said the business community of Sialkot manufactured items as per international quality.
He said the US was Pakistan’s largest trade partner and many other companies were operating in Pakistan. He assured the local business community of cooperation in export- and import-related issues.
Speaking on the occasion, SCCI President Fazal Jilani said that the US was a traditional trading partner of Pakistan since independence and importance of its contribution in Pakistan’s trade and economy was reflected by the fact that the US was the largest trade and investment partner of Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan’s exports to the United States in the year 2013 were $3.8 billion, while imports were registered at $1.8 billion.
Jilani said the US had trade-free agreements with Jordan, Morocco and Bahrain and negotiations were under process with other countries.
As a front-line state and trusted ally of the US, we request the US to sign Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan was facing energy crisis, which had hampered the economic progress. He urged the US to help Pakistan overcome the energy crisis by providing its expertise, modern technology and investment of its private sector in electricity projects.
