Anti-dumping duty issue: Turkish authorities say they will be sympathetic to concerns

Turkish authorities have assured Pakistani businessmen that they would not take any measure, which will unduly harm Pakistan's economy.
In a statement issued by Sindh Board of Investment (SBI) here on Thursday, a Pakistani delegation led by Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Advisor to Chief Minister on Investment and Mohammad Younus Dagha, Secretary Investment and prominent businessmen Khalid Feroze, Ebrahim Qassim, Abdullah Ellahi and Maqbool Ellahi met with Burhan Kayaturk, MNA from Ankara who is also Chairman of Turk-Pakistan Inter-Parliamentary Group and Cemalettin Damlaci, Secretary for Foreign Trade.
Pakistani delegation raised the matter of anti-dumping duty to be imposed on textile fabrics from six countries including Pakistan. The delegation sensitised Turkish authorities that Pakistan fabrics can not be subjected to such duties due to the following reasons: Pakistani exporters are not involved in anti-dumping of these products, such measures will also harm Turkish value addition industry which is based on imports, it will increase unemployment in Pakistani economy which is already undergoing great economic stress after floods, the move will only benefit large cash-rich economies at the cost of Pakistani economy as such countries can easily compensate their industry against anti-dumping measures.
Pakistani delegation expressed their gratitude towards the Turkish government, businessmen community, doctors, engineers and philanthropists who worked and are still working hand-to-hand with the Pakistani nation to help the affectees of devastating flood of 2010.
Turkish authorities appreciated the point of view of Pakistani delegation and assured them that they will not take any measure, which will unduly harm Pakistan's economy. They clarified that it is only an investigation phase, which might take eight to nine before finalisation. They also assured Pakistani authorities and businesses of a transparent process before any final decision on the matter.
The two sides also discussed matters of mutual interests including bilateral trade and investment, exchange of business delegations and promoting joint ventures to benefit both the economies. Turkish authorities took keen interest in greater collaboration between the two countries and assured of bringing a large Turkish delegation to Karachi and facilitate business to business contacts for Pakistani delegation, which SBI intends to organise in coming months.-PR