PARIS: Pakistan’s new trade links with the European Economic Community discussed by President Ayub Khan and President de Gaulle are expected to be formally proposed at Brussels soon after the United Nations conference for trade development in New Delhi next February.

In the meantime, the issue will be discussed with the six member-states of the European Community. This matter is also expected to feature prominently at the talks West German Chancellor Dr Kiesinger will have with President Ayub Khan in Rawalpindi during his three-day visit to Pakistan beginning on Nov 28.

The Pakistan President’s forceful plea for better export outlets for Pakistan to rectify her imbalance in trade with Europe and forestall any possible payments problems appears to have made considerable impact on President de Gaulle and the members of the French Government. They have promised assistance at Brussels for early conclusion of a comprehensive trade agreement between the European Community and Pakistan.

The speech on the subject made by President Ayub at the French Chamber of Commerce reception held in his honour last evening [Oct 18], in which he said that “Pakistan is very anxious to work out comprehensive long-term arrangements with the EEC irrespective of the shape it may take in future under which an imbalance of our trade with the Community can be corrected satisfactorily and outlets provided for our products” has been well received here. The effect of the speech was somewhat marred by a nervous interpreter who repeatedly fumbled during the translation into French of the President’s excellent address.

[Meanwhile, as reported by our correspondent in Karachi,] the Central Health, Education and Social Welfare Minister, Kazi Anwarul Haque, said in Karachi yesterday [Oct 19] that the Government was conscious of the problem of health and had undertaken various programmes for the promotion of public health.

Inaugurating the second three-day All-Pakistan Health Education Conference at the Old Assembly Building last evening the Health Minister mentioned the increased Government spendings in public health sector.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2017