The US-Pakistan relationship should continue to grow, but it should be less about what the two governments can do and more about what their peoples and businesses can accomplish together.
These views were shared by US Ambassador Richard G Olson during his visit to Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) yesterday
The US envoy noted that both countries are partnering to create a pro-business, pro-investment and pro-innovation climate.
“We are proud that the US is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and one of its largest investors. In 2013, bilateral trade crossed $5 billion and US companies have invested $1.3bn in Pakistan in the last seven years,” he said.
The US ambassador also outlined how both the countries are moving from “an assistance-based relationship to one based more on trade and investment”.
He further said the US is partnering with Pakistan to achieve growth and build a foundation for commercial success by building business ties and industry capacity, supporting Pakistan’s young entrepreneurs and addressing some of the challenges that have slowed the pace of economic growth in Pakistan.
The US ambassador lauded the contribution being made by OICCI members in the economic and social sectors of Pakistan which accounts for more than 14 per cent of GDP and 33pc in country’s total tax receipts.
