April 14, 2006	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 15, 1427

ISLAMABAD, April 13: Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan has urged the United States for early finalization of modalities for Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) to be established in Pakistan.

An official said that the minister in a meeting with Assistant US Trade Representative (USTR) Douglas Alan Hartwick here on Thursday asked for early approval of the scheme from the US Congress.

The ministry of commerce had submitted a detailed report on the scheme in the year 2005 to Washington for establishment of qualified industrial zones (QIZs) at border areas.

The official, however, said the US agreed to provide a similar kind of arrangement to Pakistan with the name as ROZs to include the earthquake affected areas in the scheme.

An official announcement said that both the sides discussed ROZs — an initiative announced by the US president during his recent visit to Pakistan. Under this arrangement goods to be manufactured in ROZs will get duty-free entry in the US market after meeting agreed rules of origin requirement.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed trade related issues concerning Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

The commerce minister urged the USTR to convene the TIFA council meeting as soon as possible with highest level participation from the US to boost trade relations between the two countries.

The last TIFA meeting was held in September 2004 in Washington now it was Islamabad’s turn to hold the meeting.