ISLAMABAD, July 6: The European Union (EU) will notify officially the initiation of review measures of anti-dumping duty imposed on Pakistan's bed-linen by end of the current month.

This was stated by secretary commerce, Tasneem Noorani in a meeting with the exporters of bed linen. The meeting was called to discuss the offer made by European Commission on Pakistan's bed-linen here on Tuesday.

The EC had made the offer for reviewing the measures of duty on bed-linen through a letter sent to commerce ministry in June 2004. During the review period, the whole anti-dumping process will start afresh. And due to this, dumping margin will also be calculated afresh.

According to an official announcement, the Pakistani exporters were of the firm view that had the European Union completed the proceedings as required under rules, the 13.1 per cent duty could not have been imposed.

In the meeting the views of the stakeholders were discussed in detail. In order to formulate consensus and to discuss all the options with the idea to take the course of action consistent with the Pakistani exporters' interest, various options related to sustainable development of the bedwear industry were also discussed in detail.

Mr Noorani assured the exporters that the government would fully safeguard their interests. The EC had initiated anti-dumping investigation against Pakistani bed-linen exporters in December, 2002. As a result of the exporters' efforts fully supported by the government of Pakistan the anti-dumping duty was maintained at 13.1 per cent.