The Ambassador said that it had been Pakistan's intention that Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) be finalized and is signed; and "our effort was that it is inked during President Bush's to Pakistan." BIT is seen as a prelude to signing of a free trade agreement, which may be negotiated in the time ahead. If BIT is there, it would lead to negotiating an FTA, subsequently; and the bilateral treaty would make it possible that positive steps are taken in the United States as could be profitable to Pakistan in the field of trade; textile sector and non-textile sector, Karamat said. "We have striven for it since fairly long. The Prime Minister has also held discussions about it with the U.S. side, tele-conferences have also followed on it, and it is almost in final shape, though one or two points remain, on which discussion will be finalized." BIT, the Ambassador said, would be an essential part of U.S. President's visit, which he expected would be signed. The main thrust, he said, is trade and economy, in which more stress has been given, while there are other areas of bilateral cooperation, which are to be discussed and finalized during the visit. Besides, there is field of education, Fulbright programme, which is the single major initiative for Pakistan - which has got expanded; scholarships in the U.S. Agricultural Institute, and exchanges in the faculties. The ambassador hoped that it would also become part of the fact sheet, along with the joint statement. Energy, science and technology, economy, internal situation, Pakistan-India dialogue, Afghan situation, Afghan President Karzai's recent visit to Pakistan, sustainable democracy and U.S. support will be the other areas to be discussed at the high-level talks, Karamat said.--SPA 13 22 Local Time 10 22 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/335862