Islamabad, 27 July 2022 (TDI): US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome met with the Minister for Commerce, Syed Naveed Qamar at the Ministry of Commerce.
Minister for Commerce congratulated the Ambassador on assuming his charge in Pakistan. He also underscored the importance of the decades-long relationship between Pakistan and the US.
Proceedings of the Meeting
During the meeting, the officials highlighted the role played by Pakistan in averting a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. They also discussed the efforts undertaken by Pakistan to ensure the stability of the region.
The Ambassador appreciated the significant growth seen in exports from Pakistan to the US. He expressed hope for a deeper and wider bilateral relationship in the fields of trade and investment, digital services, science and technology, education, energy, and climate.
The officials highlighted the recently held Pakistan-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Intersessional Meeting. Both sides hailed this as an important development in paving the way for future engagements.
Minister of Commerce informed that after the TIFA Intersessional Meeting, technical-level discussions have been held by the Ministry of Commerce on various market access issues between both countries.
He also requested the early revival of the US GSP Scheme which will further provide market access to Pakistani exporters.
Ambassador Blome expressed concerns regarding difficulties faced by businesses due to the import ban on luxury items recently implemented by the Government of Pakistan.
The Minister said that the ban is temporary. He also assured that a certain relief has been granted to some shipments.
During the meeting, a discussion on regional connectivity was also on the agenda. The Minister of Commerce highlighted the steps taken by Pakistan to further connectivity within the region.
Especially with the Central Asian Republics, most recently with the signing of the Transit Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Both sides pledged to further strengthen the mutual relationship and work together for the peace and stability of the region.
