ISLAMABAD: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Shaban Khalid on Saturday said that Pakistan-US strategic dialogue must focus on bilateral trade and getting access to the US market to attract the investment.
Talking to APP, President ICCI said, "Pakistan could exploit its geo-strategic position by providing trade routes for regional and global trade that would help make Pakistan a trade hub," he added.
He said the relations with world economic powers should be maintained on mutual respect and equality to achieve the national economic goals.
President ICCI urged the government to consult the business community to devise a joint strategy to address economic challenges of the country.
He urged the government for broadening the tax net and making reforms in the taxation system to maintain working terms with business community to get sustainable economic growth and development.
He added that business community had never opposed the levy of tax rather demanded consultation with them for unified policy.
President ICCI urged the government for economic diplomacy to have access to international markets for economic growth.
He vows for regional economic integration to make cordial relation with all regional countries for strengthening mutual trade and investment in the region.
He said the trade and economic relations with Afghanistan would promote the country's access towards the energy-rich Central Asian States to resolve country's energy issues.
Shaban Khalid said that long term energy policy need to resolve the energy crisis for the sustainable trade and economic growth.
He said the government must focus on alternate energy sources like hydel, coal, solar and agro to shift from oil.
Replying to a question, he said Pakistan has important geo- strategic location and Pak-China economic and trade ties were essential to enrich economic activity in Pakistan.
He said the government to develop Gwadar Port on priority basis as it would prove catalyst for trade with China and Central Asian States. He also appreciated the agreement with China on rail, road links and trade corridor
President ICCI said that it was more encouraging that the European Union (EU) granted the Generalized System for Preference (GSP- Plus) status to Pakistan that cast positive impact on country's export to EU markets.
He hailed the government's accountability and transparency mechanism in government affairs and efforts to make the business friendly policies. Moreover, he also lauded Prime Minister's Youth Business Loan Scheme and advised for efforts to ensure maximum recovery.
He said the government to maintain law and order situation in country to attract the foreign and local investment.
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