The Council on Pakistan Relations met with the office of Senator Max Baucus to discuss the importance of increasing trade relations between the U.S. and Pakistan and other issues.
Said CPR Chairman Ashraf Qazi, “I discussed with Senator Baucus’ senior staff the importance of increasing Pakistan’s market access to the U.S. as a way to grow Pakistan’s economy and address the issue of violent extremism and the grinding poverty that serves as its incubator.” CPR stated that while not perfect, the legislation introduced last year in the House and the Senate focused on establishing Reconstruction Opportunity Zones 
is a good concept and is as good as any place to start. CPR also expressed support for encouraging Pakistan to take full opportunity of the benefits available to it under the Generalized System of Preferences.
CPR also told the Senator’s office that it is encouraging the Obama Administration and key Members of Congress to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance provided to Pakistan under the Kerry/Lugar legislation is spent wisely and should be focused on large, visible “signature” projects in the areas of energy, water and agriculture. These projects would demonstrate America’s long-term commitment to the country and help to ease the anti-Americanism that is prevalent throughout Pakistan.
CPR also informed the Senator’s office of its efforts to encourage the U.S. to adopt a broader strategic approach to South Asia that includes India, addresses the issue of Kashmir and steps that could be taken to build confidence and cooperation between Islamabad and New Delhi.
The Council on Pakistan Relations is a pro-America, pro-Pakistan not-for-profit advocacy organization interested in strengthening ties and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.
####
Share 
