October 2, 2003	Thursday	Sha’aban 5, 1424

LAHORE, Oct 1: US trade official Ashley Wills is scheduled to visit Pakistan in the near future to follow up ongoing talks between the countries on Trade Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

This was stated by US commercial attache in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Yamen and Pakistan Robert Peaslee while speaking to businessmen here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday.

Speaking of Pakistan’s request for debt write-off, he said a report in this regard had already been sent to the US Congress and the matter was expected to be taken up during the current (US) fiscal year.

Referring to the $600-million cash grant to Pakistan in 2001, the US official said the amount was used to retire high cost loans by Pakistan.

Douglas Climan, commercial counsellor at US Embassy, told a questioner that Pakistan was helping Afghanistan in its reconstruction.

He said Pakistan was helping the neighbouring country in building road infrastructure, construction projects, rail links, and aviation.

He stated a 23-member delegation from the NWFP and a 15-member delegation fromKarachi would visit the US shortly.