US businessmen visit Lahore Chamber

Members of US business delegation, while agreeing with local businessmen for improving Pakistan's perception in the United States, have called for utilising effective marketing and public relations skills through electronic and print media.
They also asked the private sector of Pakistan to play its due role in this regard. One of the US businessmen, Najeeb Ghauri also floated the idea of setting up joint fund by the Pakistani and US businessmen to resolve the issue pertaining to wrong perception about Pakistan.
A delegation of Pak-US Business Council comprising US businessmen, majority of whom are of Pakistani origin, visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here on Thursday.
The delegation was led by Dr Herbert Davis, M. D. South Asia Affairs, US Chamber of Commerce. Ms Esperanza Gomez, Executive Director, Pak-US Business Council was also present on the occasion.
Dr Herbert Davis stated that the issue of perception was discussed in all the meetings they held at Islamabad.
He said that they had suggested to the authorities concerned that a carefully thought out strategy should be devised to have Pakistan's perception consistent to the realities.
He stated that success stories of businesses in Pakistan should find their way in US media as it would help in improving the image.
He said that the council, which aimed at promoting US investment in Pakistan, was making efforts in this regard on its part.
Earlier, the delegation members termed Pakistan as one of the countries having enormous potential of business. They expressed their interest for initiating joint ventures in Information Technology (IT) and Telecom sector. They were of the view that overseas Pakistanis could play their positive role in strengthening the Pakistani economy.
Dr Herbert Davis in his opening remarks said that they would soon be bringing another delegation and it would be sector specific delegation.
Ms Esperanza Gomez on the occasion assured that they would extend all out co-operation to any delegation of the LCCI intending to visit US.
Earlier, LCCI Chief, Mian Anjum Nisar in his address pointed out situation of bilateral trade and areas of interest for businessmen of both the sides. Former Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President, Iftikhar Ali Malik, who is also President of Pak-US Business Council assured all out help to the US businessmen intended to invest in Pakistan.