August 14, 2002	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Saani 4, 1423

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood has sought New Zealand collaboration in textile sector.

Textile is a large industry in Pakistan and we look for ways and means for collaboration with New Zealand in textile sector, particularly in the textile machinery, the minister said.

Razak was talking to High Commissioner of New Zealand, Niels Holm based in Tehran who called on him here on Tuesday and discussed with him matters pertaining to bilateral trade.

Giving an overview of the economic and trade activities with special reference to September 11 incident, the minister said that it had affected Pakistan‘s export adversely.

However, he hoped that as European Union had proposed for greater trade relations through increased textile quota and removal of duties, New Zealand government would also come forward with the same gesture. He said that New Zealand was major trading partner of Pakistan.

The minister said that he was hopeful about the New Zealand government stance for “greater trade” access to Pakistan. Possibilities for joint ventures in towel manufacturing and production of suits/jackets in Pakistan were also discussed.

Holm assured the minister that his government would undertake all possible steps to further boost the trade relations and facilitate Pakistani exporters in the areas of textile, leather, fruits and sports goods.