FAISALABAD- The United States has started new visa policy for Pakistani businessmen to facilitate them and avoid delay, said US Consul-General Nina Maria Fite during a meeting with businessmen and office-bearers of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & industry on Thursday.
“The US government wanted to boost trade relations with Pakistan. Many US companies are operating in the country. In this way, the business community could force the government to devise affective policies,” she said. The US envoy also stressed the need for promoting real and positive image of Pakistan at international level. She admired Faisalabad industries for contributing in the national economy though its textiles exports to the world.
She added that Usaid was working on several projects of power generation, agriculture, dairy, health and education in Pakistan. She also elaborated the energy conservation, energy efficiency programme for the farmers of Punjab province and dams upgradation projects. She said that these projects would add 1,000 MW in the system after completion. She invited FCCI delegation for the US. She invited businessmen to visit “Clean Coal Technology Power Plants” in US to overcome energy issues.
Earlier in his welcome address, FCCI President Muzammil Sultan said that Pakistan and the US had always enjoyed cordial and friendly relations. He elaborated that the two countries had well established trade links. Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and the US was of utmost importance and the US policy makers should give some attention towards the particular area, he said.
“The US should help Pakistan overcome the power-shortage and the US businessmen should invest in Pakistan as it is not only a huge market of 180 million people, but also a gateway to Central Asian countries and Afghanistan,” he added. “Quality products of Pakistan are far better than others and the prices are also comparatively low.”
US Consular Officer Christopher Vogt briefed the FCCI members about how to apply for a US business visa.
During question answer session, Mailk Haleem Akhtar, Engr Rizwan Ashraf, Malik Arshad, M Asghar, Shahid Pervez Sheikh, Saleem Omer and Jameel Ahmad also highlighted issues before the Consul General. At the end of meeting, FCCI former president Javed Iqbal presented FCCI souvenir to the chief guest. At the meeting, a large number of exporters and Industrialist were also present.