Economic Unit chief at the US Consulate General Chad Miner has said that the world perception regarding Pakistan is changing and American companies and investor are looking forward to Pakistan. He said, speaking at a meeting of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI), here. Economic officer at the consulate Jean Foster and economic specialist Mahreen Kashif also accompanied him. Miner said that perception regarding Pakistan was changing for better globally. He said Karachi is a lively city.
He cited that Prime Minister Imran Khan had vowed many positive measures to counter extremism and money-laundering and also showed firm intention to reform economic system. "On the other hand, Pakistan is also playing an important role for peace process in Afghanistan," he noted, adding that positive results of these measures were expected and for that reason US companies and investors are now looking forward to opportunities in Pakistan.
KATI president Danish Khan said that US is the largest trade partner of Pakistan. He said that they were looking forward to expand this relation for the mutual interest of both the countries. He called for facilitation to enhance the access of Pakistani products to the US markets. Danish also urged relaxation in tariffs for Pakistani products. He said that after effective measures to restore law and order and curbing money laundering, business environment of Pakistan has got far better.
"There are many opportunities for American companies and investors in agriculture, livestock, food processing and seafood sectors," he said. Head of KATI's standing committee on diplomatic affairs Masood Naqi said that United States has invested enormously in social and development sector in Pakistan which should be appreciated.
"We should reconsider the strategy. Social indicators can only be improves with industrialisation and economic prosperity. Our American friends should come forward to invest in industrial sector in Pakistan," he suggested, adding that it would certainly be more effective for social and development indicators.
Naqi further said that to improve business to business relation and bilateral interaction, US should reconsider its travel advisories for its citizens KATI's senior vice president Faraz-ur-Rehman suggested that with lower cost of human resource and production, Pakistan would be the suitable destination for American manufacturers. Vice president KATI Maheen Salman, Farukh Mazhar, SM Yahya, Tariq Malik, Umer Rehan were among those other members who also spoke in the meeting.