Pakistan has recently restated the commitment to offer market access to the Turkish manufacturers, under the Trade Agreement (FTA), however, this time, had linked it with reciprocal access for Pakistani goods.
The Commerce Minister of Pakistan, Mr Pervaiz Malik made this offer during a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Sadik Babur Girgin in the third week of August this year. The Commerce Secretary Younus Dagha and Textile Secretary Hassan Iqbal were also present in the meeting.
Pakistan and Turkey had entered into the final round of negotiations on the proposed FTA. Textile and clothing is the most important sector for Pakistan to seek duty concession, while that of turkey is focused on chemical and auto.
While speaking on the occasion, Mr Dagha said that the Pakistani products could not hold their effectiveness in the Turkish market after the burden of additional duties, specifically on the textiles sector and duties on agricultural products.
Mr Dagha also told the ambassador that Pakistan is willing to extend the offers in trade concessions to turkey and that it has not been granted for any FTA partner, but now is expecting from the Turkish side to reciprocate.
Source: Dawn News
