Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emphasized the need for
having deeper and more broad based trade and investment relations between
Pakistan and the United States. He was addressing a luncheon gathering arranged
in his honor today by the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce in New York, which was attended by prominent American
business and industry leaders, says a press release received here today from
New York.
While speaking on the occasion, he enumerated the economic
achievements of Pakistan with highest real GDP growth of the last ten years
achieved during the last financial year. He also highlighted the steps taken to
address the energy deficit facing the country and stated that situation had
markedly improved.
He shed light on the continuing financial reforms being pursued
for better corporate governance, the recent stellar performance of the Pakistan
Stock Exchange, and the markedly improved law and order situation of Pakistan
brought about through resolve and firm actions of the law enforcement agencies.
He apprised the US business executives and investors about the
focus on private sector led growth in Pakistan and the resultant attractive
investment opportunities available for foreign investors. He pointed out that
major investment initiatives being taken under the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) are reflective of the promising business environment of the
country and provide tremendous investment opportunities for US companies.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Abbasi mentioned that the
US-Pakistan trade and economic partnership can be further expanded with renewed
efforts of public and private sectors of both the countries. He expressed
confidence that the USPBC would continue to play a facilitative role towards
this objective.
Earlier in the meeting, Ms. Tami Overby, Senior Vice President,
Asia, US Chamber of Commerce welcomed Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to
the business luncehon. Dr. Mehmood Khan, Chairman USPBC, in his opening address
acknowledged efforts of the Government of Pakistan for bringing improvements in
economic situation of the country, and highlighted aspects concerning business
relations with Pakistan. The participating US corporate executives also
appreciated the substantial improvement in business climate of Pakistan and
thanked the Prime Minister for listening to their issues. At the end,
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry thanked USPBC for hosting the luncheon
gathering in honor of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and hoped that this would
strengthen business relations between the two countries.