WASHINGTON – United States State Department spokesman Ned Pride has said that a ministerial meeting on trade & investment between Pakistan & the United States is underway.

During the press briefing, the United States State Department spokesman said that strong trade & economic relations between Pakistan & the S are the need of the hour.

Ned said that more than 120,000 Pakistani employees are employed in 80 American companies, American businesses are informed about the trade opportunities in Pak, the US wants to make economic & trade relations with Pakistan ideal.

He said that our investment with Pakistan has increased by about 50% in one year, there is a need to promote trade with Pakistan in energy, agricultural equipment & other sectors.

He further said that the US & Pak have common interests against terrorism, the Taliban should ensure that ISIS, TTP & others do not disturb peace in the region.