October 5, 2003	Sunday	Sha’aban 8, 1424

KARACHI, Oct 4: Minister for Commerce Humayun Akhtar Khan on Saturday said that he was hopeful of the outcome of the on-going negotiations over the 15 per cent extra market access offered by the European Union (EU).

Talking to newsmen during his visit to INSTYLE Pakistan 2003, fair for textile and garments being held at the Karachi Expo Centre, the minister said that he was in touch with EU’s trade chief Pascal Lamy over the matter and hopefully positive result would come.

Responding to a question, Humayun Akhtar Khan said that the additional tariff concessions given by the EU under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to Pakistan and 11 Latin American countries would be reviewed by the Union.

“It is true that additional tariff concessions given by the EU under GSP would expire by the end of 2004, but as a normal practice the EU reviews the situation before taking final decision,” he added.

He said that the WTO appellate body has only given a preliminary ruling against Indian complaint over concessions given to Pakistan under GSP and the final decision would come when India files an appeal with the appellate body.

Replying to another question the minister refuted that there were any irregularities in textile quotas or even mishandling or delays, and all the hue and cry was based on diverse interests of each segment of exporters.

He further said that any decision with regard to quota allocation or distribution might

appease a few but annoy a larger number of exporters. The government has to take decisions in the larger interest of exports.

Earlier the minister visited various stalls at the exhibition and also held one-on-one talks with the visiting world buyers that came to attend the fair.

Humayun Akhtar appreciated the efforts made by the organizers of the fair and said: “It is for the first time a fair of world standard has been held in the country, facilitating buyers and buying houses to have direct interaction with local producers.”

The minister suggested to make INSTYLE a regular event and said that it would have full support of the government. He asked foreign buyers to include this fair in their annual itinerary.

The buyers at INSTYLE Pakistan 2003, were representing countries from all regions of the world, including US, UK, Canada, Argentina, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, Malaysia, Kuwait, Netherlands, India, Morocco, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.

A Chinese garment trade delegation also visited the exhibition on the last day (Oct 4, 2003) of the show. Mr Yang Gui Xin, vice commissioner and president of Chamber of Commerce of Kashgar was heading the Chinese delegation.

A number of stall holders talking to Dawn expressed their satisfaction over the arrangement and facilities provided to them by the organizers of the fair. However, they were not happy with the level of official patronage to the fair.

Riaz Bin Rashid, a stall holder at Ahmad Lace told Dawn that he had a good exposure at the fair but the number of foreign customers were restricted. However, he admitted that his product had little to do with end-consumer and more to manufacturer.

Knitwear manufacturer and exporters — Irfan Textile — got a good response and its stall holder Sulman Akbar Khan said that customers from buying houses, foreign buyers and exporters came in a good number.

Pak Button Industries, manufacturers of all kind of buttons with latest technology were extremely satisfied with the turnout of buyers. Zeeshan Ahmed said that they have to compete with duty free imports of accessories but are still satisfied with their local as well as foreign market shares.

Manzar Alam of Pearl Fabrics Corporation suggested that such events should be held regularly but complained of poor patronage from official side, particularly the EPB.

Manufacturers of house-wears — Rainbow Industries — beautifully displayed all sort of kitchen wears and other apparels. Syed Fazil Shah holder of this stall said if this event was regularly held for another 4-5 years it would compel buyers to come to Pakistan.

Parsons Holding, manufacturers and exporters of ladies trousers (bottom) also received good response and the owner of this stall Mr Zubair Parekh said when we participate in foreign fairs up to last moment we are not sure who is going to be our ultimate buyer but over here only those pay visit who intend to place orders.