Islamabad: The United States (US) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South & Central Asia Elizabeth Horst has said that the economic problems of Pakistan cannot be resolved quickly, but the US would work with International Monetary Fund (IMF) to overcome the challenges. She added that the $3 billion Stand-by-Arrangement (SBA) has provided Pakistan a breathing space, and the US fully supports the development.
While talking about upcoming challenges, Elizabeth Horst said that Pakistan would face a tough time overcoming the economic issues. She applauded the announcement of general elections in the country and said that the US would work with the leadership chosen by the people. On the role of the US in the politics of Pakistan, Elizabeth maintained that the US has no intervention in the politics of Pakistan.
On trade relations, the state secretary briefed that the US is the largest base for Pakistani products as in 2022 the total trade reached $9 billion. She added that Pakistan received $250 million as a direct investment and $215 million for the rehabilitation of flood victims. According to Elizabeth Horst, the US has provided more than $20 billion to Pakistan in the last 20 years.
On future projects, the state secretary said that in 2022 both sides signed
a Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) after eight years for climate, energy, and health dialogues projects and it would be further extended with the forthcoming green alliance framework.