Chamber Gains Support for Earthquake Survivors in South Asia

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce, through its U.S.-Pakistan Business Council, today called for corporate contributions and other assistance for the relief effort in the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Pakistan.

"Our deep condolences go out to the people of Pakistan and the surrounding region," said Esperanza Gomez, Chamber executive director, U.S.-Pakistan Business Council. "We are working with our member companies to help the people affected by this disaster."

The Chamber sent letters to President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Pakistani Ambassador Jehangir Karamat to convey the Chamber's commitment to ensure that its employees and members have opportunities to financially assist in this disaster.

"The Chamber is very pleased that the Council's membership has stepped forward during this critical time," continued Gomez. "We expect the contributions to continue to ensure that needed resources reach targeted areas in a timely manner."

The Chamber's U.S.-Pakistan Business Council is made up of companies including Citigroup, The Coca-Cola Company, The Boeing Company, El Paso, General Electric, LEDtronics, Merck, Motorola, Netsol Technologies and PepsiCo which have already donated or pledged more than $7 million in direct financial support.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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