Second, we are taking steps together to empower Pakistani entrepreneurs. Our governments are linking American investors and Pakistani entrepreneurs, providing Pakistani business leaders access to capital and mentoring resources. We believe that investing in Pakistan's entrepreneurs is a smart business decision.
Third, we are working to improve access to finance for growing companies. This is why the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) recently launched the Pakistan Private Investment Initiative, with strong support from the Pakistani government and private sector. USAID will partner with experienced fund managers to co-invest in promising small to medium-sized enterprises. The volume of applications from regional and international investors proves that there is substantial interest in tapping the potential of the Pakistani market.
Fourth, we are expanding our government-to-government dialogue to increasingly include the voices of businesses and civil society. That is why U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton launched the U.S.-Pakistan Women's Council in September with Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. And it is why our two governments convened a business conference in London last month.
The foundation for meaningful and sustainable bilateral cooperation rests in part on the shoulders of our private-sector leaders and entrepreneurs. Challenges remain, including in other areas of our bilateral relationship, which our governments will need to work through together. We will continue to develop the economic ties that will ultimately define our shared stability and prosperity.
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