KARACHI, May 25: Pakistan’s desire to enter into Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with US is not possible at present since it is a long drawn process.

In US, approval of trade incentives for Pakistan would require legislation by the Congress.

This was stated by Miss Rebecca Ann Seweryn, economic officer of US consulate-general, Karachi, during her visit to Pakistan Towel Manufacturers’ Association (TMA) offices here on Thursday.

However, the US envoy suggested that to penetrate in the US market Pakistani exporters would have to do strong lobbying work in the US for achieving the desired results.

Miss Seweryn further stated that the US was presently carrying out a lot of development work in Pakistan through USAID which had created not only job opportunities in the country but also helped in the development of Pakistan’s economy.

She also hoped that more investment would be coming from US to Pakistan in the coming years.

The US envoy asked the TMA members to participate in the exhibition at Boston taking place from Nov 7 to 9 in collaboration with the International Fabric Association. The organisers of the Boston fair, she said have also arranged appointments with buyers.

Feroze Alam Lari, chairman TMA, sought support of the US envoy in granting waiver to the towel industry for $60 million which would help create jobs in towel and home textile industry.

Responding to a question raised by the TMA chairman with regard to travel advisory, Miss Rebecca Ann Seweryn said that it was not in her jurisdiction.