Lahore
Pakistan business community on Tuesday hoped that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s current ongoing visit to the United States (US) would bring both the countries closer besides seeking direct market access on zero rate duty.
Talking to newsmen after casting his vote at Lahore chamber election for associate class here, Founder of Chairman Pak-US Business Council Iftikhar Ali Malik said Pakistan needs immediate direct access to US markets and not aid as it has suffered irreparable colossal financial loss for playing frontline role in the war on terror.
He said US must support Pakistan to achieve its economic prosperity and self-reliance. He said joint efforts are needed to further cement the existing economic ties between Pakistan and US private sector. He said Pakistan and US are enjoying amicable relationship and coalition partners against war on terror.
He also demanded that the US president Donald Trump should announce packages of incentives for the quick revival of the Pakistani economy during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan as Pakistan has also suffered 200 billion dollars losses economically in the war against terror.
Iftikhar Malik who is also Senior Vice President of SAARC Chamber said that USA is the largest trading partner of Pakistan with trade volume US$ 6.7 billion.
He said that Pakistan’s major exports to United States are sports goods, surgical goods, leather and finished leather products, textile, cotton yarn, garments, carpets, and rice. Pakistan’s main imports from United States are electrical machinery, equipment, medicines, dry fruits, perfumes, coffee, mangoes, dates and other food items, he added. He also called for need of negotiation on bilateral investment treaty for promotion of investment.—INP
