Senior US trade officials say they will work hard to ensure greater market access for Pakistan's textile and apparel industry, thereby promoting bilateral trade and economic relations. They also hope to establish the ROZs as early as possible to create more job opportunities and promote economic development for the tribal areas in Afghanistan.

Gail Stree Keller, assistant representative of the US Trade Representative Office (USTR), hosted a large Pakistan textile exporter delegation in her office, and also some large US textile clothing and clothing purchasers. She said Pakistan is an open market. "GailStrickler"

The leader of the delegation of Pakistan is MirzaIkhtiaqBaig, the textile consultant of the Pakistan government. The meeting of Pakistan exporters and some major US importers is the first time that Pakistan has held part of the Texworld clothing trade fair in the US.

The top Pakistan textile manufacturing company has set up exhibition booths at the one week exhibition, and some other countries have also set up exhibition booths. Ms. Stehlik Le said the office of the United States trade representative will make every effort to help Pakistan manufacturers promote exports and even help them improve their product quality.

Paul Jones, deputy representative of the trade representative's office, said that improving the market access of Pakistan products is part of the strategic dialogue between the United States and Pakistan. Better economic cooperation and development will eliminate the trust deficit between the two countries. MichaelDelaney, assistant director of the office of the US trade representative, said that creating jobs through economic development is the best weapon against war.

He said that ROZs will help improve the lives of the people in the border areas. Pakistan's financial year attracted $370 million in investment, mainly from the United States. He appealed for more investment to help Pakistan bear the high cost of fighting against insurgents.