WASHINGTON, June 29: US President George W. Bush restored trade benefits to certain Indian and Pakistani products on Wednesday, citing progress on intellectual property protections and worker rights.

Bush said in a proclamation that the decisions were made after a review of steps taken by New Delhi and Islamabad to address US trade concerns.

“I have determined that India has made progress in providing adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights,” Mr Bush said. “Accordingly, I have determined to terminate the suspension of India’s duty-free treatment for certain articles.”

Mr Bush also said “Pakistan has taken or is taking steps to afford workers in that country internationally recognized worker rights.”

“Accordingly, I have determined to restore Pakistan’s eligibility for certain articles for preferential treatment,” he said.

A list of affected products was not immediately released by the White House.—Reuters