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Obama Administration to strive for Pakistan preferrential trade program
WASHINGTON, Oct 23 (APP): The U.S. administration has vowed to redouble its efforts for Congressional approval of a preferrential trade program for Pakistan under which products manufactured in designated zones will be brought duty-free to the United States.“The United States committed to redouble its efforts to seek Congressional enactment of legislation to create Reconstruction Opportunity Zones and for the establishment of an Enterprise Fund,” a joint US-Pakistan statement released at the conclusion of a three-day strategic dialogue, said.The strategic dialogue was co-led by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Both sides sought to work closely and collaboratively with the international donor community and international financial institutions to extend economic assistance to Pakistan.
Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the Strategic Dialogue process.
The ministerial dialogue was preceded by sectoral track engagement on agriculture, communications and public diplomacy, defense, energy, finance and economic cooperation, health, law enforcement and counter-terrorism, water, and women’s empowerment.
According to the joint statement, sectoral meetings covered a broad range of subjects with a clear focus on socio-economic development and the establishment of a mutually beneficial partnership. As a culmination of their work over the past seven months, the sectoral working groups compiled action plans that reflect their shared goals and benchmarks, created a roadmap for future engagement, and discussed next steps on implementation of joint projects in every area.
The latest round of the Strategic Dialogue confirmed the United States and Pakistan’s dedication to cultivating a strategic, comprehensive, and long-term partnership, the statement said.
The United States commended the steadfast resolve of the Government and people of Pakistan, armed forces, and law enforcement agencies to defeat terrorists. Pakistan expressed its appreciation for the Secretary’s announcement to seek Congressional authorization for a Multi-Year
Security Assistance Commitment, a five-year pledge by the United States.The United States and Pakistan emphasized that a “democratic, progressive, and prosperous Pakistan was in the interest of the United States, the region, and the world,” added the statement.
The United States and Pakistan “renewed their resolve to promoting peace, stability, and transparency throughout the region and to eliminate the threats posed by terrorism and extremism.”
Both sides remained focused on further deepening their cooperation on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, and during the Pakistani delegation’s visit to the White House, President Obama announced his plans to visit Pakistan in 2011 and welcomed President Zardari to Washington.
Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Qureshi reaffirmed the importance of trengthening the U.S.-Pakistan strategic partnership, which was based on “shared values, mutual respect, and mutual interests.”
The next round of the Strategic Dialogue is planned to be held in 2011; the sectoral working groups plan to meet prior to the next Ministerial-level meeting.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk