News
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Pakistan needs more trade, market access: Zardari
* President stresses need for early payment of CSF arrears
* Holbrooke back in Pakistan after 2-day visit to AfghanistanStaff Report
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday that the government looked forward to international assistance in facing challenges and called for more trade and market access for its products in the international market to put its economy back on track.
He said this during a meeting with Richard Holbrooke, the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, who called on him along with US Ambassador Anne W Patterson at the President’s House.
During the meeting, the president expressed the hope that the US would soon release funds for the reconstruction opportunity zone (ROZ) project. The president also emphasised the need for early reimbursement of arrears as part of the Coalition Support Fund (CSF).
Appreciating the US humanitarian assistance, the president said that the people of Pakistan, especially the displaced persons, had paid a heavy price in terms of both human and material losses in the fight against militancy.
“The government owes its success to these people who not only supported the efforts to root out militancy, but also faced immense hardships for peace in the region,” the president said.
Talking about the regional situation, President Zardari said that Pakistan was a responsible country and was fully aware of its obligations and responsibilities.
Referring to the situation in Afghanistan, the president said that Pakistan fully supported efforts of the international community to restore peace, stability and prosperity in the war-torn country.
Speaking on the occasion, Holbrooke reiterated the US commitment to a long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan, saying the US administration was aware of the need for creating opportunities for people in the conflict zone in order to win hearts and minds.
He said that the US administration was providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced persons by assisting them in the provision of food and essential household items.
Ambassador Holbrooke has returned to Pakistan after a two-day visit of Afghanistan, where he held important meetings with Afghan officials.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk