REMARKS BY
HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR JEHANGIR KARAMAT
AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF THE
PAKISTAN CONSULATE, CHICAGO

(Saturday, 22 January 2005)

Honourable Mayor of Chicago,
Respected Guests,
Members of the Pakistani Community,
Ladies and Gentlemen

We feel greatly privileged that the Honourable Mayor Mr. Richard Daley is inaugurating the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago. Mr. Mayor, we deeply appreciate your presence here this afternoon.

This Consulate was established as a result of the combined efforts of the vibrant Pakistani-American community and the Embassy. We are grateful to the US Government, especially the Department of State, for their support in making this a reality.

We also greatly appreciate the support of the Honourable Mayor and his office towards the establishment of this Consulate. We will continue to count on his support to enable us to serve our community better.

Hourable Mayor,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is my first visit to Chicago as Ambassador of Pakistan. I must say that I have experienced for myself all that I had heard about this uniquely beautiful city and its wonderfully warm people. The rich mix of cultures has indeed made Chicago a truly metropolitan city and a success story of a diverse yet cohesive society. Here, I would quote from the Honourable Mayor’s recent article which refers to “thousands of Chicagoans” working to “improve the quality of life for themselves and their neighbours” resulting in impressive accomplishments for the city and holding the promise of continued future progress.

From all that I have seen, I wholly endorse the Honourable Mayor’s view that Chicago is a city which is moving forward.

The Pakistani Chicagoans who form an important piece of Chicago’s social mosaic, have done their part in making Chicago all that it is today. They have participated in Chicago’s progress by remaining active in diverse fields including business, public service, education, and health services.

My congratulations to you Mr. Mayor, for your leadership and inspiration to the people of Chicago including Chicagoans of Pakistani origin.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would be amiss not to refer to the state of Pak-US relations on this occasion. I feel privileged that I have assumed my responsibilities as Ambassador of Pakistan to this great country at a very exciting phase in the history of our bilateral relations.

As we all know, there have been ups and downs in the relations between Pakistan and the United States over the past five decades or so. But there has always been a sincere commitment on the part of our leadership to work together on important bilateral and international issues. This has both deepened and enriched the relationship. As a result, the two countries, despite the occasional setbacks, have always remained close allies and friends in the longer-term strategic perspective.

Our bilateral relations have attained new heights in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11. There is commonality of perceptions and interests on a broad-range of issues. In addition to close cooperation in the global war on terror, bilateral relationship is growing in almost every field. Dormant bilateral mechanisms and forums have been revitalized. New forums are being created to help boost cooperation in many areas. These include the establishment of a Joint Economic Forum and the signing of a Trade and Investment Facilitation Agreement (TIFA). A Joint Business Council is being set up under TIFA. The Exim Bank and OPIC are providing necessary guarantees for the private sector to invest in Pakistan. Bilateral trade has grown significantly in the past three years.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today our focus is on the bright future of Pakistan-US relations rather than on its glorious, or some time not so glorious, past. What is most satisfying is that both sides now appreciate the need for building a broad-based long-term partnership, a partnership based on shared perceptions and commonality of interest. For the first time, there is a bipartisan consensus in the United States on a long-term commitment to Pakistan. The strongest recommendation in this regard came from the 9/11 Commission. The legislation that Congress recently passed to implement the Commission’s report contains important provisions in support of this long-term commitment. We are confident that the present positive trends would not only be sustained but also expanded.

The U.S. bilateral assistance and its help in facilitating access to the international financial institutions has played a vital role in the robust economic turn around that Pakistan has been able to achieve during the past five years. Trade is undoubtedly considered the engine of growth. Through better market access the United States can further contribute to Pakistan’s economic progress and prosperity. The time is now propitious for concluding a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.

Honourable Mayor,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The role of the dynamic Pakistani-American community is of critical importance in the development of our bilateral relations. It is their respect for the law, social responsibility and civic duty that truly lend a real meaning to this relationship. I hope the Pakistani American community would continue to shoulder their responsibilities with full sincerity as citizens of this great country. This would bring glory not only to their new homeland but also to their country of origin - Pakistan.

I am confident that the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago, with the support of the Honourable Mayor, and under the able direction of our Consul General, Mr. Aitzaz Ahmed, would serve as a catalyst to promote trade and investment cooperation in the educational, cultural and other fields between Pakistan and Chicago and other areas under the Consulate’s jurisdiction.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the domestic front Pakistan has achieved several successes. The economic sector growth has been phenomenal. Our reserves have increased from less than $ 1 billion in 2000 to over $ 12 billion in 2004. GDP growth rate has increased over the same period from 2.5% to 6.4%. Our target is to achieve 8% growth rate in the next 2-3 years. Pakistan’s exports are growing by 13% annually. In the post textile quota regime, we anticipate even higher growth of our exports as our textile sector, which is the main stay of our exports is very competitive due to its horizontal and vertical integration. The rising imports of raw material and capital goods are a reflection of growing industrial activities. The current account is in surplus. Fiscal deficit is less than 4% and inflation well under control. Large scale manufacturing grew by more than 18% last year. Defence spendings decreased as a percentage of the total expenditure from 6% to 3.4%. Private sector is buoyant and optimistic. 87% of the banking sector is in private hands. Important legislative and institutional reforms have made Pakistan an attractive FDI destination. The confidence of the international financial institutions and corporate financiers is reflected by continuous upgradation of Pakistan’s credit risk rating and the successful issues of sovereign bonds in quick succession.

In the social and political fields, a comprehensive reform process introduced by President Pervez Musharraf is in progress. The main elements of this reform process are devolution of power to local governments; greater transparency and accountability; elimination of corruption and nepotism; restoration of rights of minorities and empowerment of women.

Today, there are over 43,000 women at various positions of political representation in Pakistan. At District level their representation is as high as 33%. Similarly, women have a sizable presence in the Federal and Provincial legislatures.

The Government of Pakistan is determined to implement the President’s vision of ‘Enlightened Moderation’ to turn Pakistan into a modern and democratic Islamic state. The Government is implementing a comprehensive programme to reform as part of multibillion rupee plan to modernize the entire educational system in the country.

There has also been a steady progress in strengthening democracy and the rule of law. The Parliament which came into existence after the last elections has shown its ability to resolve within house some of the most difficult political issues including the Legal Framework Order and the 17th Amendment. Both Houses of the Parliament have exhibited lively debates and resilience to withstand political pressures. A new culture of political tolerance has visibly emerged in the country.

Honourable Mayor,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank you once again for your participation in today’s event. I look forward to working closely with you to further our common interests.

I thank you all, Ladies and Gentlemen, for your presence here today. I also thank our Consul General, Aitzaz Ahmed, for arranging this wonderful event.

Thank you.