ISLAMABAD, Jan 7: Pakistan has decided to hire a group of prominent local and foreign lawyers to effectively fight its case against the allegations of bedlinen dumping by the European Union (EU).

“I am leaving for Brussels tonight to meet with EU officials to further enhance trade relation between Pakistan and the member states of EU. But I would also discuss issues relating to allegations of dumping bedlinen by Pakistani exporters there,” said Minister for Commerce Humayun Akhtar Khan.

Talking to Dawn on Tuesday, he said that although Pakistani exporters were preparing to engage good lawyers, the government would also contribute in hiring good local and foreign lawyers to remove the allegations of dumping. He said the government has decided to share with the exporters the cost of hiring good lawyers.

“So far the EU has not taken any decision as currently hearing proceedings are taking place against the allegations of dumping,” he said adding that he would ensure that no anti-dumping duty was levied against the exporters of bedlinen. These proceedings, he said, began on the complaints of some German companies.

“But I believe we should not get alarmed at this stage when no decision has been taken against us,” he said. He said he would present Pakistan’s point of view by meeting the EU officials. He said Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and other relevant government agencies were providing all necessary support to the Pakistani exporters over the issue of bedlinen.

Responding to a question the minister for commerce said that EU had already offered additional market access to Pakistan by enhancing 15 per cent quota for the country and by accepting zero rated tariff for Pakistani products in 2001.

These quotas, he pointed out, will be phased out in 2005, therefore, there was no use to seek enhanced market access. “My discussion with EU officials will also focus on enhancing Pak-EU relations beyond 2005,” Mr. Khan said.

“How can we penetrate the EU is very important,” he said adding that his efforts would be focussed on having more favours from EU before all quotas and tariffs were removed in 2005.

The minister for commerce said he would also visit Germany to participate in trade fair being held in Frankfurt from January 8 to 10, where more than 2000 stalls were being set up.

To a question he said it was wrong to say that German embassy was creating hurdles in the issuance of visa to Pakistani exporters taking part in the Frankfurt fair.

“Out of 250 exporters, 210 had already been issued visas,” he said hoping that those who did not get visas would get them and participate in the trade fair.