ISLAMABAD, Dec 23: Water and Power Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi on Thursday stressed the need to strengthen Pakistan's economic and trade relations with the United States and more exchange of visits of business delegations between the two countries.

Talking to US Ambassador Rayon C. Crocker, who called on him, the minister invited American companies to invest in Pakistan in the power, especially electricity generation from water and coal, and environment sectors.

Pakistan had liberal investment and power policies and it provided safe investment environment without any restrictions, he said. Foreign investment would create job opportunities and reduce poverty, the minister observed.

He appreciated the role of the US for peace in South Asia and said Pakistan was also victim of terrorism and it was fighting against terror as a frontline state. He said perceptions could be different but the government would not allow anyone to derail its economic and peace plans.

He reiterated the government's commitment to end terrorism in Pakistan and make it a peaceful and attractive country for investors and visitors. The US envoy said both the countries had common interests and they were the main partners in the war against terrorism.

He underlined the need for broad-based relations between the two countries. The ambassador recalled the role of power companies such as the AES, the Uch Power and El Passo and said US companies were keen to invest in Pakistan.

He apprised the minister of the planned visits of US business delegations to Pakistan in the first quarter of the next year. He expressed support to frequent exchange of visits of business communities of both the countries.

He informed the minister about his meetings with representatives of Lahore and Karachi chambers of commerce and industry for visit of a Pakistani business delegation to the US to set up joint ventures in various sectors.

The ambassador discussed matters relating to privatization of power sector entities and other trade and economic issues. The ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine also separately called on the minister and discussed strengthening of economic ties with Pakistan.

Ukrainian Ambassador Dr Igor Polikha expressed his country's interest in investing in the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower, Lowari Tunnel and other projects in different sectors. He said both the countries should exchange visits of business delegations.

The UAE ambassador reiterated the offer of his country's ruler to gift about 350 megawatt gas turbines to Pakistan. He said the UAE would be willing to support Pakistan in dismantling the plant and its re-installation at designated location and train Pakistani personnel.

The minister welcomed the offer and appreciated the UAE's help to Pakistan. He urged both the UAE and Ukraine to invest in power and sectors and benefit from the liberal policies to enhance economic relations.