Top business leaders in a joint statement here urged Barack Obama to announce on January 20 direct market access in the US to Pakistani business concerns.
The leaders included FPCCI Chief Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh, founder chairman Pak-US Business Council and former federation chief,Iftikhar Ali Malik.
Tanvir Ahmed of FPCCI said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani have always attached great importance to strengthening relations with USA, in trade, economic as well as social sectors.
He said the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) could play a?vital role in this regard, being an important channel for trade ties between the two countries and link to American markets. The PM?s recent visit to the US would also have a big impact on further promoting economic relations, he added.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said that Pakistan alone is suffering 6 billions dollar loss annually in its economy due to war on terror.He said Pakistan is fully committed to stamp out the menace of terror in the world.
He said Pakistan is an emerging market rich in opportunities for US investment, and observed that US is already an important trading partner.
The business leaders observed that under the present circumstances, Pakistan will continue to lend support in the fight against terrorism, as it has been a victim of terrorism itself.
He said Islam is a universal religion advocating peace, justice, brotherhood and equal rights for all human beings irrespective of their creed or colour, and abhors violence and terrorism.
?There is a need to present Islam in its true perspective, and the Western media should play a positive role to dispel wrong notions that spread fear and mistrust,? they observed.
Iftikhar urged the need to restore relations to the level of pre 9/11 days, adding that good relations between the US and the Muslim Ummah would help restore confidence and attain world peace.
