January 19, 2006	Thursday	Zilhaj 18, 1426

ISLAMABAD, Jan 18: A high-level official delegation has left for Mauritius to initiate the first round of negotiations on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA).

An official said that Pakistan’s delegation was led by additional commerce secretary Nasim Qureshi. The delegation would discuss with their counterparts the draft treaty, rules of origin, etc.

Following consensus on the draft, the two sides would finalize the list of items for duty reduction under the FTA, added the official.