ISLAMABAD: Washington wants a more strengthened economic relationship with Pakistan, United States Ambassador to Pakistan, David Hale said on Thursday.

“Trade and economic relationship is part of security but it is more important than bullets,” he said during a call on meeting with Minister for Commerce, Khurram Dastgir Khan.

An official statement quoted Ambassador Hale as saying the political climate in Pakistan was stable and the US was considering extending assistance in economic and trade areas.

“We are eyeing on investment treaties and other related tools with Pakistan to proceed further on economic and trade related matters,” he added.

“People should look at the brighter sides of Pakistan where business environment has improved for investment and business,” the ambassador emphasised. Ambassador Hale appreciated Pakistan’s role and efforts in solidifying economic relations in the region with neighboring countries.

“We are strong supporters of regional trade integration and connectivity in the region and Pakistan’s efforts in this regard are praiseworthy,” the ambassador mentioned.

He said the US was looking forward for sector specific reverse trade missions to work together in the ‘untapped’ agriculture sector.

Mr Dastgir said the US remains the biggest trade partner of Pakistan and a principal export destination. “There is always space to grow and increase trade and business among both the countries,” the minister said.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2016