AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, June 13, 2013 (PPI-OT): Pakistani exporters learned today about opportunities to sell over 3,500 products duty-free in the United States at a seminar jointly sponsored by the U.S. and Pakistani governments.
Exporters from Peshawar, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) participated in a video seminar that detailed the advantages of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, which offers Pakistani exporters duty-free market access to the United States for 3,511 products. At viewing sites in Karachi and Islamabad, Pakistani exporters heard how to take advantage of the GSP program for a range of products, including certain manufactured items and inputs, jewellery, agricultural products, chemicals, minerals, marble and carpets.
“The United States supports Pakistan’s economic revival,” said U.S. Embassy economic officer Brandon Possin. He said that the such video seminars and similar initiatives demonstrate the U.S. emphasis on “trade not just aid” and moving the U.S.-Pakistan relationship toward one based on increased economic connections and private sector innovation.
“The United States buys more Pakistani exports than any other country, and we want this economic relationship to continue to grow and create jobs in both countries,” said Possin at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD), which hosted the Islamabad viewing site.
Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Bill Jackson told seminar participants that U.S. imports from Pakistan under the GSP program surged by 49% in 2012, reaching $195 million, one of the largest increases among all major GSP beneficiary countries.
U.S. Department of Commerce representative David Nufrio described for the Pakistani exporters other opportunities, including the Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT) program scheduled for May-June 2014 that will increase export opportunities for gems and jewellery exporters.
This video seminar is just one of the ways that the United States works with Pakistan toward increased trade and a brighter economic future. The second U.S.-Pakistan Business Opportunities Conference, which takes place in Dubai on June 25-26, will offer a business matchmaking platform where Pakistani exporters can meet with U.S. importers, and U.S. companies can learn about opportunities for doing business in Pakistan. This conference is jointly organized by the governments of the United States and Pakistan.
For more information, contact:
Alberto Rodriguez
Spokesman
Information Office Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Embassy, Islamabad- Pakistan
Cell: +92300 501 2640
Tel: +9251-208 0000
Fax: +9251-227 8607
E-mail: webmasterisb@state.gov