Pakistan is experiencing its deadliest floods in decades, with the loss of more than 1,500 lives and devastating infrastructure loses across the country. As government officials meet with the International Monetary Fund  (IMF) to assess the impact of the floods on the economy, the U.S. Chamber renewed its strong support for legislation to create Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in Afghanistan and Pakistan that is pending on Capitol Hill.

In a letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and USTR Ambassador Ron Kirk,  from Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue stated: "In light of the devastating floods that recently struck Pakistan, we need to work together to secure Congressional approval of this legislation on an urgent basis."

The Chamber and its affiliate the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council are committed to promoting economic development in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We believe a properly structured ROZs program, S. 496 sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), can help achieve these objectives. The Administration should strongly back this proposal when Congress returns from recess next month.

// See also the business response to the floods.