26 September 2004	Sunday	10 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 25: Pakistan would seek greater access to the US markets for its export both textile and non-textile items during the first meeting of the council set up under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

Federal Commerce Minister, Humanyun Akhtar Khan would lead the official delegation at the meeting to be held on September 28 in Washington. Greater market access has assumed importance in view of phasing out of textile quota regime by the end of the current year.

The official delegation comprises Secretary Commerce, Tasneem Noorani; Attorney General of Pakistan, Makhdoom Ali Khan; Secretary, Board of Investment, M. Jehangir Bashar Khan; Joint Secretary (WTO-wing), Qasim Niaz and Joint Secretary (Foreign Trade), Shahid Bashir.

An official source in the commerce ministry told Dawn that the delegation would also seek greater investment by US companies in Pakistan.

One way of achieving this objective would be for Overseas Private Insurance Corporation (OPIC) to increase the quantum of support to US investors wishing to invest in Pakistan so that Pakistan would become a more attractive destination for investment.

On the other hand, Pakistan has already met the major demand of the US authorities by establishing the Pakistan Intellectual Property Rights Organization (PIPRO) - an autonomous organization to deal with violation of intellectual property rights.

Such violations were believed as a deterrent to foreign investment, cause considerable leakage of revenue and discourage creative work.

According to reliable sources, the US government is likely to release a grant of $20 million for the establishment of an effective PIPRO in Pakistan. This amount would be used for training of officials and establishment of the office for the purpose.

The delegation would stress upon the US authorities for getting some reward in the shape of market access for combating the menace of piracy in various products particularly CDs, DVDs that are hurting the US interest.

The delegation would also ask for further relaxing of US advisory issued to the US citizens who intends to visit Pakistan, facilitation in issuance of visas to businessmen and others, etc.

According to an official announcement, the agenda of the meeting includes negotiations on Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and the proposals to gain market access for exports of Pakistan to the US market.

A number of side events like meetings with United States Trade Representative (USTR), Robert Bob Zoellick, the United States chambers of Commerce and the US Congressmen are also included in commerce minister's visit.