FTA, ROZs with USA

This was stated by the Federal Advisor on Textile, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig here Thursday.

Dr Baig said that on his last visit to New York discussed the establishment of ROZs and FTA with 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.

He said that there is 10% to 12% 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.

Dr Baig had told a seminar organized by USTR and USAID at Javits Centre, New York that Pakistan was the main ally 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 Robert Hawkins, Economic Officer, US Consulate Lahore, the delegation will also visit the Institute of Fashion Design in Lahore.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011