Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Muhammad Haroon Agar Wednesday said Pakistan does not need aid but trade and access to the US markets. Exchanging views with the delegation of USAID in Pakistan headed by
Alan L. Davis, Director Economic Growth, USAID Islamabad, Agar said besides granting economic aid and assistances, the US may consider increasing investment in Pakistan as it was largest trading and investment partner of Pakistan. He apprised that Pakistan had lost precious lives of its citizens and faced losses of billions of dollars in war against terrorism.
USA should reciprocate its cooperation through shifting its support from conventional aid to market access, investment, technology transfer, education and training, scientific research, power generation and infrastructural development. He appreciated the USAID assistance in various programmes of economic growth, agriculture, energy, education and health. He was of the view that besides funding in dams projects, USAID may consider funding in projects of Thar Coal and other alternate energy solution.
Similar coal is being used in various power plants around the world and one in U.K. Yorkshire, he told. USA allowed civil nuclear energy to UAE and India. Similar treatment be accorded to Pakistan to overcome energy crisis, he conversed. He also suggested that in Economic Growth and Agriculture, USAID can make programmes to educate farmers and rural population to add value to agricultural and dairy products.
USAID can make Micro-Financing programmes to eliminate poverty and promote Micro-Entrepreneurs. Similar programmes can be developed for SMEs. He also proposed funding of US Special Economic Zone on the pattern of Japan Special Economic Zone planned in Karachi. He was of the view that USAID can invest in revenue generating projects of National Interest on BOT– Build, Operate and Transfer basis in Metro railway in Karachi, Mass transit, Low Cost Housing, Town Planning, education, medical, mining, constructing new small dams and other projects.
To promote SMEs he also suggested for institutional capacity building of SMEDA and support to SME Bank. He assured USAID team in Pakistan Karachi Chamber’s best support and cooperation. Alan L. Davis, Director Economic Growth, USAID Islamabad recognized the vibrant role of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry for promotion of commercial and industrial activities and sought support of KCCI in various USAID programmes in Pakistan.
He informed that owing to importance of economic development, USAID’s economic growth program seeks to secure a self-sustaining future for Pakistan by nurturing competitive enterprises, efficient market environments, effective government policies, and business opportunities for women. He said that USAID works with governmental and other partners to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural sector, so it can meet domestic food needs while generating export revenues. These initiatives are spurring broad-based economic growth and improving the earning power of people throughout the country. Geoffrey Minott, Deputy for Economic Growth & Agriculture USAID Islamabad informed that USAID Pakistan Trade Project active since 2009 supports the Government of Pakistan and private sector stakeholders.
