Assistant USTR for South Asia Holds Press Conference at Lincoln Center Herat

Michael J. Delaney, Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) for South Asia held a press conference on May 23, at the Lincoln Center in Herat.

Eleven journalists from local and international media including correspondents from BBC, Aljazeera, Radio Azadi, Shamshad TV, Herat National TV and Radio, the Herat University student radio station, Radio Kilid, and Pajhwak News Agency attended the press conference.  The provincial Department of Information and Culture Chief also attended the press conference.

Brad Hanson, the Department of State Representative in Herat, introduced Mr. Delaney, who summarized the reasons for his trip to Herat.  He expressed optimism in the great economic potential of Herat, particularly its industrial park.  He also discussed current legislation before the US Congress which would set up reconstruction opportunity zones slashing tariffs on Afghan-made products in the American market to zero.  He then responded to questions from the press.   Mr. Hanson and Embassy Economic Section Deputy Chief David Birdsey also responded to questions regarding USG assistance in Herat province.