Sustaining Reform With a US-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement

The United States and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1947, shortly after Pakistan gained its independence. Since then, relations have alternated between episodes of close partnership and sharp friction―reflecting the ups and downs of global and regional geopolitics. The tides of foreign policy have correspondingly affected trade and investment. Post-September 11th diplomacy has now created a strong relationship between Pakistan and the United States. Would a free trade agreement between these two counties benefit them? What type of economic benefits could be expected? This new book looks at this question and many others and concludes that a free trade agreement between the United States and Pakistan would benefit both countries.

Gary Clyde Hufbauer, Reginald Jones Senior Fellow since 1992, was formerly the Maurice Greenberg Chair and Director of Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (1996–98), the Marcus Wallenberg Professor of International Finance Diplomacy at Georgetown University (1985–92), senior fellow at the Institute (1981–85), deputy director of the International Law Institute at Georgetown University (1979–81); deputy assistant secretary for international trade and investment policy of the US Treasury (1977–79); and director of the international tax staff at the Treasury (1974–76).

Shahid Javed Burki, former finance minister of Pakistan, is the chief executive officer of EMP Financial Advisors, LLC. He served at the World Bank for 25 years (1974-99), as division chief and senior economist, Policy Planning and Program Review Department; senior economist and policy adviser, the Office of the Vice President of External Relations; director, International Relations Department of that vice-presidency; director of China and Mongolia; and vice president of the Latin American and Caribbean region.