Very well written, and thought provoking. Humanitarian aid is most definitely a positive contribution to developing countries in times of disaster and/or crisis, and indeed can also be a positive contribution as a yearly aid package as well.

That being said however, there needs to be a further investigation into the aid 'donation', and the motivating factors behind this donation. What are the stipulations that go along with this aid contribution? What restrictions and/or expectations does the donating country place on the receiving country? As you explained- are there trade restrictions/tariffs that hinder the receiving country's ability to compete in the global marketplace?

In response to the Journal article you referenced on your post, I found an article today that expressed the view of US textile groups and cotton farmers towards a proposal to cut U.S. tariffs on Pakistani textile exports on Reuters,

"If this proposal were to be accepted, it would cause irreparable damage to the U.S. textile industry resulting in significant job losses," the National Association of Textile Organizations, the National Cotton Council and three other industry groups said...

This quote illustrates to me the obvious disadvantage developing countries are at in the global marketplace. Poor, developing countries are at the mercy of rich, developed countries, as they have no leverage against them. In order for very poor, developing countries to raise the living conditions of its people, and lower poverty rates, they need to be able to compete in the global marketplace. Developing countries should at least be given a level playing field to play on…free trade.

Very interesting article and makes one think. It is so true that the humanitarian aid is always appreciated, but if it is thought through and organized better, just like in the above article - it is so much more productive. I come from the less developed country myself and know how important it is to have a job, not just aid. Job gives one stability, confidence and faith. The given example is great and the idea for a project is excellent.

There are compelling arguments as to why the U.S. should reconstruct trade policies with Pakistan, a country that relies considerably on their apparel and textile industry to achieve economic stability.

Particularly after Pakistan's recent floods, the country is facing a precarious situation affecting more than 17 million people, not to forget damage done to essential infrastructure including schools, bridges and agriculture. Aid from donor countries is certainly needed to address the extensive damage, but this is only a short-term solution, and a long term-solution is needed to ensure Pakistan's recovery, which would ideally be through redefined trade policies.

The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) published a recent report highlighting the unreasonable tariffs hindering Pakistan's economic, and ultimately social, recovery. While 55% of Pakistan's total export proceeds are derived from the textile sector, imports from Pakistan make up a tiny percentage of total imports into the U.S., between 0.23% - 0.17%. While Pakistan faces import duties of 10.85%, these numbers illustrate how U.S. tariffs have a great impact on Pakistan relative to the U.S.

The United States is in a position where significantly reducing the tariffs would have a positive impact on Pakistan’s economy, giving Pakistan the ability to achieve long-term stability and also the ability to overcome the devastation of the recent floods on their own, rather than depending on the limited aid and benevolence of other countries.