Pakistan’s economic development in US best interest: Zaidi

ISLAMABAD, Mar 16 (APP):Federal Minster for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi has said that economic development in Pakistan is in the best interest of the United States.
It was not just to foster growth in both the countries but also to tap down extremism, he said citing a direct correlation between economic deprivation and increased extremist activity.
The minister, who is on a three-city tour of the United States, told an the American Television ABC that it was a unique moment in time to capitalize on as Prime Minister Imran Khan was gaining trust globally as a credible leader.
“Extremely exciting time in Pakistan. Credibility and transparency in government is extremely important, and when you have a credible and transparent government, then everybody else wants to come and do business,” the minister said.
He said Pakistan was a country where 65 percent of the population was below the age of 30. It was a land of opportunity.
Zaidi said his people wanted long term peace and prosperity. He believed strengthening the bridge between the US and Pakistan could help them get there.
“Economically, we must build this relationship based on economics,” he said. “And that is going to be beneficial for both countries.”
In his first US visit since taking his post, the minister first stopped in Houston. He toured the Port of Houston, where he took notes on the expansion and development of one of America’s largest ports.
Zaidi is touting Pakistan’s economic future, trying to convince US companies to look at Pakistan as a promising market.
He also met corporate leaders in the Energy Corridor as offshore drilling by US oil and nature gas companies is seeing a resurgence off its coast, as the country explores potentially untapped resources.
He will also visit Los Angeles and Washington DC.