Tom Harkin: “the Government of Pakistan is pursuing dramatic economic reforms, including liberalization, privatization, and…”

“the Government of Pakistan is pursuing dramatic economic reforms, including liberalization, privatization, and deregulation in order to transition its economy into a fully market-oriented system. Once OPIC support is reinstated, the United States will be able to institute trade and development assistance programs as well. U.S. companies will be able to pursue business opportunities in a wide variety of sectors, such as power generation, telecommunications, highway construction, port development and operations, oil and gas, and banking and finance. I also point out, Mr. President, that the Government of Pakistan is in the process of privatizing its banking system. OPIC can be of great help and support in doing that. Further, the prohibition of IMET has meant an emerging generation of Pakistani military officers has not had access to training in the United States. Let me be clear that IMET does not mean the transfer or sale of any weapons. It only means valuable education assistance to other militaries which help foster valuable military-to-military contacts with the United States and the host country and allows the United States to impart its values to other militaries. Mr. President, according to the Department of Defense, the Chinese are currently the single largest provider of military training to Pakistani Forces.”