The new and transformed Pakistan ready to leverage its geo-economic potential to build better and stronger ties with the US

The Atlantic Council South Asia Centre held a virtual conversation with Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the US on future of US-Pakistan relations under the Biden Administration. The event was moderated by former US Ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Munter.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Khan highlighted that the new and transformed Pakistan was principally invested in advancing economic security and to leverage its geo-economic potential to build better and stronger ties with the US. He emphasized that the bilateral relationship should not be seen through the prism of any other country. Referring to President Biden’s strategy of a foreign policy to work for the people, he added that the two countries should work towards a partnership that would serve the best interests of the citizens of both countries.

Speaking about the enablers in the bilateral relationship, Ambassador Khan said that the two countries drew strength from their historical connections, people to people ties, economic linkages, shared values, principles and legal framework as well as common interest in promoting peace and stability in the region. These enablers provided impetus to connect the peoples and businesses of the two countries.

Ambassador Khan also spoke about the liberal and attractive investment regime implemented by the Government to promote trade and investment in Pakistan. Coupled with 220 million consumer market, growing middle class and a young vibrant population, Pakistan provided immense opportunities for the US companies to invest in priority sectors such as information technology, agriculture and tourism. He also invited the US companies to take advantage of the special incentives provided under the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) established by the Government to facilitate investment. He emphasized that stronger bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and the US could facilitate broader economic connectivity in the region and promote cooperation on global issues such as climate change and Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the ongoing developments in the Afghan Peace Process, Ambassador said that peace in Afghanistan is a shared responsibility and that the international community should stand behind the current peace process by supporting an inclusive political settlement.

Ambassador Khan also highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in South Asia. He said that Pakistan had made repeated peaceful overtures to reduce tensions in the region. Now the onus was on India to demonstrate its seriousness in pursuing peace in the region. He said that the US as a preeminent global power could play an important role in defusing tensions as a peaceful South Asia would serve everyone’s interests.

Ambassador Munter, in his remarks, highlighted the positive change in Pakistan’s perception in the US over the last 10 years. He said that the Government of Pakistan’s focus on economy dovetailed with President Biden’s priorities and provided an opportunity for both countries to collaborate on bilateral and global issues such as climate change and Covid-19 pandemic. He emphasized on unlocking the potential for trade and investment between the two countries by promoting contacts between businesses. He also commented on the enabling role Pakistan could play in facilitating US relations with other regional countries including China and Iran.

The event was well attended with participation by the members of the Atlantic Council, academia, scholars and think tanks.

March 09, 2021
Washington D.C