Washington, DC - The United States Chamber of Commerce hosted President Pervez Musharraf, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as part of its International Forum series on June 26, 2003. The event was the culmination of high level visits and cooperation between member companies of the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council, the Government of Pakistan, and the American business community.  The president’s visit was an indicator of the value placed on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s services by the Government of Pakistan.  At the event, President Musharraf reviewed the recent improvements in Pakistan’s investment climate and stressed the significance of U.S. foreign direct investment in Pakistan’s development. The U.S.-Pakistan Business council has played a key role in developing and strengthening this involvement and ensuring the continued success of U.S.-Pakistan business commercial relations.

President Musharraf’s visit to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was one of the final stops of his U.S. tour.  Senior Vice President of the Chamber’s International Division, Mr. Willard A. Workman, welcomed President Musharraf in his opening address.  Mr. Workman addressed the crowd of high-level government and business representatives with a message of an increasingly favorable economic environment in Pakistan.  Mr. Workman stressed that sanctions against Pakistan that had previously been impediments to foreign direct investment have now been lifted, allowing improved access to an emerging market rich with opportunities for U.S. investment.  This, according to Mr. Workman, compounded with Pakistan’s ideal geographic location, competitively affordable and expanding workforce, and liberal investment policies, makes Pakistan one of the premier investment venues in South Asia today. 

Also in attendance were members of the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council, including representatives from the event’s corporate sponsors: Coca Cola Co., PepsiCo. Inc., and AEG.  Chairman of the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council and President of Coca Cola’s Eurasian and Middle East divisions, Mr. Ahmed C. Bozer, mirrored Mr. Workman’s sentiments in his address.  Mr. Bozer pledged that the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council will continue to work on broadening the business relationship between the two countries.  The Council is already the premier voice for business in Pakistan as well as an important forum for corporations to interact with government officials and regulators from Pakistan.  He noted the importance of President Musharraf’s administration in this process by stating that, “the consistency and continuity of economic policy demonstrates their desire to improve the economic climate for foreign direct investment.”  According to Mr. Bozer, Pakistan’s strategic importance, improving macro-economic conditions, and high quality governance make it a desirable country for U.S. investment.

This was President Musharraf’s first visit to the US-Chamber of Commerce.  The U.S. Chamber's International Forum Series is one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected and influential platforms for the discussion of trade, foreign affairs, and international economic policy.  President Musharraf’s participation in the Forum is a manifestation of his administrations continued dedication to working with the Chamber in order to improve business opportunities for US investors in Pakistan.

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