U.S.-Pakistan trade policy review

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council have called upon the Obama Administration to ease access for Pakistani textiles in the U.S. market. A report developed by the two business groups recommends review of trade policy in Pakistan, cutting tariffs on textiles (Pakistan’s chief export) and completing a bilateral investment treaty. The two organizations also support the Kerry-Lugar initiative in the Senate to triple economic assistance for Pakistan to $1.5 billion annually. President Obama has indicated interest in using economic development as a bulwark against insurgency and extremism on the mountain border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.