13 February 2004	Friday	21 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Feb 12: The consul general of the United States Douglas C Rohn on Thursday said that presently the US economic assistance was being given in four key areas, including education, maternal and child health, good governance and micro credit.

During his visit to All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), he said that the assistance for education was mostly centred in Balochistan and Sindh and was focused on teacher's training.

Mr Rohn said that US consulate in Karachi was playing a role of conduit for the business community of both the countries and all trade matters are dealt with professionally and immediately. Earlier, SITE industrialists led by Dr Arshad Vohra, regional chairman APTPMA highlighted various issues confronting textile processing industry.

The issue of water also came up for discussion and the participants suggested that the US companies should invest in water treatment and desalination projects in SITE area.

The industrialists also demanded that the closed and marginalized industries from the US should be relocated in Karachi for generating much needed employment in the country.

There was strong demand that the US Exim Bank should have more prominent programme for Pakistan and suggested that high US officials and Congressmen should put Karachi on their itinerary when visiting Pakistan. They expressed their concern over the travel advisories issued by the US embassy.