ISLAMABAD, Sept 6: The European Commission authorities have finally agreed to release 4,000 tons of Exceptional Flexibility quota for 2003 in categories 6, 9 and 20.

According to an official announcement issued on Saturday, this facility had been made possible due to constant and persistent follow up at the highest level.

The commerce minister himself took up the issue of Exceptional Flexibility quota for year 2003 personally with EC Commissioner for Trade Pascal Lamy on several occasions.

Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan also took up the issues of enhancement in quota with the EC authorities by renegotiation of 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) during his recent visit to Brussels.

APP adds: The Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (TMA) has hailed the government efforts in getting 4,000 tons of exceptional flexibility quota from European Union.

In a statement here on Saturday, the TMA lauded the dedication and hard work of the Ministry of Commerce and the EPB. The association hopes that the ministry will be successful in the release of held up flexibility quota from the EU.