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Pakistan to have more access to US markets: Dr Mirza
By Raja Zahid A KhanzadaHOUSTON: The adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig said that US was getting out of Afghanistan and no program can succeed sans taking Pakistan onboard. But it would be prudent if right demand gets made on the right time, Geo news reported.
He was speaking at the reception gathering hosted by the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce (PCC).
He said that Pakistan has spent $35 billion on the war on terrorism whereas US has given only $12 billion. In addition to that, Pakistan had to spend Rs.650 billion, meant for the growth of social sector, on provision of basic amenities to affectees residing in war-torn areas. Out of that amount, Rs.350 billion were also earmarked for the rehabilitation of the affected Afghan refugees.
He said that like Americans, this war has proved to be much dearer than what was anticipated. This war has almost ruined Pakistan’s economy.
As a result, the textile industry, previously constituted 60 per cent share of the total Pakistani exports, has now reduced to 53 per cent, he maintained.
The reason for this decline, he said, was the bad law and order situation besides US policies.
“Nevertheless, the incumbent Pakistan government has urged US administration to provide assistance in trade and for making US market more accessible to Pakistani products”, he observed disclosing, “In this regard, the bill that has been introduced in the Congress, falls short of our expectations and we have reservations over it.”
Under the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) package, only the areas lying at the border stretched between Afghanistan and Pakistan would benefit, he said further.
Also, Dr. Baig shed light on the approach of incumbent Pakistan government to ROZs.
Courtesy www.Geo.tv