USPBC Welcomes U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue

The U.S.-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) today expressed its strong support for the first Strategic Dialogue at the ministerial level between the United States and Pakistan.

In a press statement Miles Young, member of the Board of Directors of the USPBC said, “we applaud Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Qureshi for their leadership in advancing the dialogue between the two countries. This dialogue is a critical mechanism to promote trust between the two countries, and to develop solutions and promote cooperation on all the key areas in the bilateral relationship.”

“Deeper economic ties are an essential prerequisite for stronger security ties,” Young said. “We are keen that the private sector plays its part in collaborating to achieve economic growth, in stimulating trade and investment, and in promoting energy security.”

“U.S. businesses operating in Pakistan welcome the opportunity to play a larger role in the high-level dialogue between our two countries,” said Najeeb Ghauri, vice-chairman of the USPBC. “We applaud efforts to encourage economic development and attract investment in critical sectors in Pakistan, and thus create job opportunities to promote social stability and security in the region.”

The Council has long advocated for the enhancement of high-level dialogue between the U.S. and Pakistan to address bilateral trade and investment concerns. The U.S. private sector stands ready to further contribute to deepening economic engagement between the two countries and addressing challenges critical to the long-term bilateral relationship.

The U.S.-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC), an affiliate of the United States Chamber of Commerce, is the premier organization in Washington dedicated to the broad advancement of U.S. commercial engagement with Pakistan.