October 12, 2002	Saturday	Sha'aban 5, 1423

KARACHI, Oct 11: Economic Counsellor of the US Embassy in Islamabad, Douglas Climan has said there is a great scope for investment by the US companies in Pakistan in sectors like energy, petroleum, distribution, telecom, information technology and financial services.

Talking to FPCCI acting president Chaudhry Mohammad Saeed, at the Federation House, he said the America’s business community appreciates the economic reforms of the present government.

Douglas underlined the need for long-term and sustained growth in Pakistani exports to the USA. He said setting up of Pakistan- US Business Council would further consolidate bilateral and commercial relations between the two countries besides motivating the American entrepreneurs to invest in potential sectors in Pakistan.

FPCCI representatives apprised the economic counsellor of the expectations of the Pakistani private sector with regard to increased access of its textile and other value-added products in American markets, removal of condition of verification from the USA for grant of visa to businessmen, non-issuance of negative travel advice and dispelling misperception about the security concerns in Pakistan.

Acting FPCCI President Ch. Muhammad Saeed, vice-presidents Haroon Rashid and Tariq Sayeed, former president, Sardar M. Ashraf Khan, members, managing committee, Ali Ashraf Khan, chairman, Pak-US Trade and Industry Committee Abdul Shakoor Khatri, and chairperson, standing committee on women entrepreneurs of FPCCI Mrs. Arjumand A. Qazi, were also present on the occasion.