Secretary Commerce, Mohammad Younus Dagha, had a meeting with Mark Linscott, Assistant United States Trade Representative (AUSTR) in Washington DC, to discuss various bilateral trade and investment issues. The meeting was also attended by Ali Tahir, Minister Trade, Embassy of Pakistan Washington, and Zeba Reyazudin , Director, Office of the USTR.
The Secretary noted the growing trade volumes between the two countries which indicated deepening commercial ties between their businesses and felt that there was tremendous potential for its further growth. He expressed the hope that the US companies will take advantage of their presence in the Pakistani market and expand their footprint in view of strong performance of Pakistan's economy, improved security and energy situation, large and growing consumer market, and the country's strategic location in the region.
The two sides also discussed other matters of mutual interest including convening of the next TIFA council meeting, business opportunities conference, designation of a facility for Pakistani mango irradiation in the United States, and recent GSP reauthorization by the US government to allow duty-free import of eligible commodities from Pakistan and other beneficiary countries.
The Pakistan delegation noted that the GSP eligibility assessment of countries located in the Asian region being undertaken by the USTR's office had been concluded and its results officially released. Pakistan has successfully qualified the GSP eligibility assessment and would continue to receive duty free treatment for its eligible exports to the US market.
The Secretary observed that this will help in further strengthening of the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries and their business communities.-PR