USTR delegation to visit Pakistan soon

KARACHI: A high powered delegation from United States Trade Representatives (USTR) will be visiting Pakistan in the third week of this month to hold talks on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and promote bilateral trade between Pakistan and USA.

Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Federal Advisor on Textile, Government of Pakistan on his last visit to New York discussed the establishment of ROZs and FTA with Mr. Micahel Delaney, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia and also met senior officials of
USTR including Ms. Gail W. Strickler, Assistant USTR to get US market access for Pakistani textile products.

Dr. Baig informed that there is 10pc to 12pc custom duty on import of Pakistani textile whereas there is no duty on Bangladesh and lesser duty on Sri Lanka and India, making our products for US market uncompetitive.

He informed at a seminar organized by USTR and USAID at Javits Centre, New
York that Pakistan is the main alley of US in war against terror and need US support to facilitate trade with Pakistan for new job creation and to support our economy.

As per recent communication with Ms. Mara M. Burr, Deputy Assistant USTR South and Central Asian Affairs and subsequent discussion with Mr. Robert Hawkins, Economic Officer, US Consulate Lahore, the delegation will also visit the Institute of Fashion Design in Lahore.

Copyright NNI (News Network International), 2011