United States (US) is taking keen interest in expanding relations with Pakistan and promoting women entrepreneurs, US State Department’s US-Pakistan Women’s Council Executive Director Sarah C Peck said on Friday.
The representative of Pakistan’s most important trading partner said the US was trying to lift the standard of living of Pakistanis and supported the business community.
“I have come to Pakistan to review the situation and forward recommendations for increased trade relaxations,” she said while speaking to female entrepreneurs at the federal capital.
Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) Founder President Samina Fazil, President Farida Rashid, Secretary General Sara Ansari and others were also present on the occasion.
Peck lauded the efforts of IWCCI in supporting women and said that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed to promote cooperation and empowerment of women.
“I will seriously consider the proposal to establish a think-tank for designers from the two countries which will broaden ties between private sectors of both countries,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Samina Fazil said there would be a positive outcome of the meeting which would result in quick progress.
Pakistani exporters are facing different barriers hampering the bilateral trade which is already below potential, Fazil said. Pakistani textiles should gain access to the US market on favourable terms or at least on similar terms as offered to other least developed countries, IWCCI leaders demanded.
Future cooperation can be ensured through better understanding which can be ensured through frequent exchange of delegations, they said. Farida Rashid asked the US to hold an investment conference in Pakistan and step forward to resolve the energy crisis which has shaken the foundations of the national economy.
Relationship between the two countries is heading towards stability which can improve rapidly if US focuses on trade and not just aid to expand bilateral economic engagement, they viewed.
Rashid lauded the policy of the government, supported by the US, to expand economic cooperation with its neighbours including India, Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics.
