Islamabad (Online): US Ambassador David Hale has alleged that Pakistan is an important ally of US against War on Terror and his country sought to further enhance trade with it.
David said while talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by President Khalid Iqbal Malik.
He said that promotion of two-way trade would be mutually beneficial for both countries.
ICCI Senior Vice President Khalid Malik, ICCI Vice President Tahir Ayub, Mian Akram Farid, Mian Shaukat Masud, Zafar Bakhtawari, Nasir Qureshi and Muhammad Faheem Khan were also part of the delegation.
David said that Pakistan was an agricultural country but was using old technology, adding that Pakistan could increase its agricultural productivity manifold by using latest agro technology and machinery of USA.
David was of the view that the security situation was improving in Pakistan, which was commendable. He said improved security would attract more investors from USA and other countries to Pakistan and help trade and industrial activities to flourish.
Donald Trump newly elected president of US was a businessman and he knew very well the importance of promoting business relations with other countries, he said.
The envoy was optimistic that during the tenure of new US administration, Pak-US trade and economic relations would get stronger.
ICCI President Khalid Iqbal Malik said at the occasion, that Pak-US bilateral trade during January-October 2016 was around $4.533 billion. However, he said there was lot more potential to further enhance two-way trade.
Khalid Iqbal said that apart from defence products, both countries should focus on enhancing trade in many other areas. He was of the view that embassy should play role in bringing chambers of commerce of both countries closer that would help in identifying new areas of mutual cooperation.