ISLAMABAD, Nov 7: Pakistan’s increasing economic and financial difficulties arising out of the Sept 11 events will come up for discussion during President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s visit to US, France and the United Kingdom.

This was stated by finance minister Shaukat Aziz while talking to Dawn before leaving for Paris on Wednesday.

“Our exports and imports have gone down and our exporters are facing issues like war risk insurance and increased freight charges which will be taken up during our visit to three countries,” he said.

“While we expect a fairly good package from bilateral and multilateral donors we also hope to have market access for our goods in the US and other European Union (EU) countries,” Mr Aziz said, clarifying that Pakistan was not asking for any compensation for supporting the US-led coalition against terrorism. “But we believe our legitimate concerns particularly on economic front will be taken into account by US, France and UK governments”, he said.

Responding to a question he said he was expecting more financial support from Pakistan’s friends to help execute mega development projects in the country.