September 13, 2002	Friday	Rajab 5, 1423

ISLAMABAD, Sept 12: Trade deficit with Saarc- countries fell by 52.84 per cent to $17.413 million in 2001-02 against $36.929 million during the financial year 2000-01.

Official figures, made available to Dawn, showed that Islamabad trade deficit with Bangladesh declined from $99.931 million in 2000-01 to $73.398 million in the year 2001-02, with India from $179.689 million to $137.294 million during the same period and with Sri Lanka it rose to $43.665 million in the year 2001-02 from $39.965 million in the year 2000-01.

However, no marginal impact was registered in Pakistan’s trade deficit with Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.

Islamabad’s total exports to Saarc-member countries declined by 15.55 per cent during the same period this year and stood at $226.684 million against $268.430 million worth exports 2000-01.

And total imports from the Saarc countries to Pakistan also shrank by 20 per cent during the financial year 2001-02 to $244.097 million against $305.359 million of the corresponding period of last year.

Pakistan’s major regional trading partner during the financial year 2001-02 was India followed by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka while the other trading partners remained at a very low level.

Country-wise trade break-up with Saarc member countries showed that Islamabad exported goods to India worth $101.138 million in 2001-02 against $133.422 million last year, showing a decline of 11 per cent, while Indian exports to Pakistan decreased by 20.65 per cent to $186.521 million during the same period against $235.086 million.

Pakistan exports to Bangladesh declined by 24 per cent to $101.138 million during the financial year 2001-02 against $133.422 million, while Dhaka exported $27.740 million goods to Pakistan against $33.491 million over the last year, showing a decrease of 17 per cent.

Exports to Sri Lanka stood at $72.119 million in 2001-02 against $75.321 million, showing a decrease of 4.43 per cent, while imports were $28.454 million against $35.356 million, registering a decrease of 19.52 per cent.

Exports to Nepal were $2.382 million, to Maldives $1.5 million, and Bhutan $0.318 million.