ISLAMABAD  - Pakistan has suffered immense economic and human losses due to its role as frontline partner against war on terror, thus USA should initiate mega energy projects in Pakistan to improve its economy.
This was stated by Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI, while exchanging views with James Fluker, Commercial Counsellor US Embassy in Islamabad, during his visit to ICCI.
ICCI President termed energy crisis as the most serious problem of Pakistan due to which economy was badly suffering and industries were operating at half capacity, therefore, USA should help Pakistan in its efforts aimed at improving energy situation. US should also encourage its investors to explore Pakistan’s energy sector specially invest in the Diamer-Basha Dam, which offers lucrative investment opportunities, he added.
He cited the example of China as it has successfully completed gas pipeline from Turkmenistan in just 18months, adding that TAPI gas pipeline which is only 1700km should be build in 6months to meet the gas demand. He said that US should take this project as a challenge to overcome the prevailing energy crisis which would ultimately win the minds and hearts of Pakistani people. Mr. Bakhtawari said that USA should have played its positive role in materialization of Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project as well.
This project will not only help in overcoming energy deficit in the country, it will also promote peace in the region, he maintained.
ICCI President was of the view that business community of Pakistan attached great importance to trade relations with the United States. He said that Pakistan exports to US were stood around $3.8billion, asserting that there was dire need for concerted efforts on both sides to improve trade.
Speaking on the occasion, James Fluker recognized the vibrant role of Islamabad Chamber for promotion of commercial and industrial activities. He informed the meeting that US Embassy in Pakistan was making all out efforts to highlight Pakistan’s potential so that the US businessmen could invest in sectors of their choice.
He said that US intended to initiate various Shell Gas projects in Pakistan to bridge supply and demand gap, adding that there were a number of things on the ground to boost up economic relations between the two countries.
Appreciating the development in IT sector in Pakistan, he said that development of IT is must to promote trade and economic activities and to enhance foreign investment in any country. He aid that said there is more room for improvement in IT sector and assured full help and assistance from US to Pakistan in this regard.