US plans to proceed to free trade agreement with Pakistan
Written by pub
Wednesday, 02 May 2007
ISLAMABAD, May 2 (APP): US intends to go ahead to Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan after striking a mutual investment deal with Pakistan.

Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Peter Bodde told Geo News the headway in mutual investment agreement has been made; however, finalisation of its details would take time. Negotiations regarding free trade agreement would be made afterwards.
Peter Bodde said that after the installation of control system on Port Qasim, the scanning of a container would benefit Pakistani exporters as well as it will boost trade between the two countries.

http://www.app.com.pk/en/index.php?option=...41&Itemid=2

Although it is good to have a FTA with the USA, the USA needs to show more sincerity. Pakistan has done more than any other ally and should have had this FTA stitched up long time ago. I fear its all empty promises and Pakistan will learn a very harsh lesson. The US needs to commit to Pakistan in actions rather than words.

To root out extremism USA should be the first one to help Pakistani build itself economically, however, it is observed that USA is ready to provide string added USAID however, has never been practically involved in increasing Pakistani export base .. If you get employment opportunities to the FATA residences, I am sure they would lay down arms .. but I suppose the idea is basically to keep Pakistan on artificial support.