January 5, 2003	Sunday	Ziqa’ad 1, 1423

ISLAMABAD, Jan 4: National Tariff Commission has arranged a two- day seminar on “anti-dumping law and procedures” in its office in Islamabad to create awareness among the industrialists about the WTO Agreement on the subject.

Commencing on Jan 15, the seminar will focus specifically on implementation of Article VI of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT 1994) and Pakistan’s Anti-dumping Duties Ordinance 2000 as well as Rules made thereunder.

The seminar, the source said, aimed at increasing awareness amongst that part of the domestic industry which directly faces or is likely to face issues related to dumped imports into Pakistan or may face allegations of dumping against their exports from Pakistan.

Its relevance to the situation faced by Pakistan’s industry at this juncture is highlighted by the current litigation in Europe against some of the exports of Pakistani textiles. It may also awake the Pakistani industrialists to the need of developing the intellectual and legal infrastructure necessary to remain afloat in the present era of lowered tariffs and free trade.

These instruments, NTC source explained, provide the legal basis for remedies against dumping, including defence against any allegation of dumping. Specifics of the questionnaires for exporters, importers and producers would also be explained, as would be the basic calculations. The relevant law and other important references are available on the NTC website (www.ntc.gov.pk).

The commission has advised the entities interested in participating in the seminar to nominate a person who is involved or likely to be involved in dumping-related issues. The last date for sending such nominations to NTC is January 10.