Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emphasized the need for having deeper and broader 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 luncheon. 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.
