BMP underscores need for removal of obstacles to Pak-US trade

Businessmen Panel (BMP) secretary general (Federal) Ahmad Jawad has said that United States should renew GSP status on a favourable note for Pakistan. He said Pakistan is currently ranked 57th goods trading partner of United States with bilateral trade worth $5.5 billion during 2016. He lamented the meagre volume of bilateral trade saying it is unfortunate because Pakistan is a frontline ally of the US in the war on terrorism.
He said that the GSP expired last December but no word came from US on its renewal. He said trade between the two countries is meandering along its set course.
Ahmad Jawad said that Pakistani businessmen now demand immediate direct access of its products to US markets and not aid as it has suffered colossal financial losses due to playing frontline role in the war on terror and US must support Pakistan to achieve its economic prosperity and self-reliance.
"We have not received favourable trade tariffs from the US department of commerce since 9/11, despite the fact that Pakistan always calls for more trade with the US businessmen at many forums," he said.
BMP secretary general (Federal) said that US allowed zero percent duty on Pakistani mangoes but at the same time only one airport was approved to handle their shipments and still don't allow their irradiating. "We have such facility in Lahore and I personally requested their agriculture department to initiate letter of intent with us," he said, adding that for the last seven years, Pakistani mangoes failed to capitalize the US market properly due to unfavorable procedures.
He said exporters still complain that the process of exporting mangoes to the US is lengthy and costly and high freight charges estimated at Rs 370 per kg are a major obstacle.
He said Pakistan is emerging as a fast developing and modern republic in South Asia. He urged Pakistani-American businessmen and officials of US Chamber of Commerce to avail immense business potential in Pakistan and strengthen business-to-business (B2B) contacts
"It must be understand that both countries have been close allies in the fight against terrorism, which is a common threat to all nations of the world," he said, adding that as a matter of policy, "Pakistan does not allow use of its territory against any country. Instead of relying on the false narrative of safe havens, the US needs to work sincerely with Pakistan to stamp out the menace of terrorism."
Jawad said trade volume increased in 2017 but still not at the optimum level. He said it would be more convenient if the United States and Pakistan expand cooperation on the 2013 Joint Action Plan on Trade and Investment as the United States remains Pakistan's largest bilateral export market and a significant source of foreign direct investment.