Trump acknowledges Pakistan’s talent, trade potential

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump praising the intelligence and skills of Pakistanis has said that Pakistan has great potential to produce amazing products.

In an interview with FOX news channel, Trump shared that there had been useful discussions on trade with Pakistan. He expressed surprise that despite good relations, trade was never seriously discussed before.

“We cannot ignore Pakistan. It wants to trade with the US,” said Trump.

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He called the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire a “major success.” He noted that tensions between the two nuclear powers had escalated dangerously and that war could have broken out.

Trump said he had directed his officials to immediately contact both Islamabad and New Delhi.

“We told both countries to significantly boost trade,” Trump said.

He explained that the US is using trade as a tool to ease tensions between Pakistan and India.

Criticising India, President Trump said it imposes the highest tariffs in the world. He claimed India has made it “almost impossible” for others to do business there.

However, Trump also added that India is now ready to reduce tariffs on US goods by up to 100 percent.

“I’m using trade to settle scores and to make peace,” Trump said.

Earlier this month, Trump announced the ceasefire in a Truth Social post, congratulating both nuclear powers for showing what he called “common sense.” 

He also criticised President Joe Biden’s approach to the region, saying, “It’s a great region, but it was never treated properly. And it was certainly not treated well by Biden, who didn’t know he was alive, frankly.”