KARACHI, Nov 23: British Deputy High Commissioner Hamish S.T. Clair Daniel said although his country was the biggest supporter of Pakistan on anti-dumping duty and GSP Plus status issues, it alone could not do anything on these issues.

“Decision power rests with the European Union. However, the UK will continue to support Pakistan on these issues,” he said while talking to members of the Site Association of Industry on Tuesday.

He said a delegation of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry would visit Pakistan this month and would sign an agreement with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry next week.

He added that during its stay, the delegation would visit Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and hold meetings with chambers and government officials. Another delegation of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Industry would visit Pakistan in December to participate in the Expo 2005, says a press release of the association.

Mr Daniel said further that a British delegation would visit Pakistan in January 2006 to discuss business in textile machinery. Another trade mission of the telecom sector will visit Pakistan in February or March next year.

About the Oct 8 earthquake devastation, he said the UK was spending one million pounds weekly on the transportation of goods to Azad Kashmir. A British construction mission would visit the earthquake-hit areas in February 2006.

Commenting on the law and order situation in Karachi, he said: “I see a good change. Now the law and order situation has improved in the city. As far as security is concerned, it is an international issue and Pakistan is playing a vital role to curb terrorism.”

The deputy high commissioner said trade between Britain and Pakistan was picking up and in January-July 2005, 250 million pounds of goods were exported to Pakistan, which is around 40 per cent higher than last year’s figures. The trade balance is in Pakistan’s favour.

He said around 80 to 100 British companies were working in Pakistan. Britain is the biggest investor in all sectors except oil and gas exploration in which the US had taken a lead. He also noted that around two million Muslims were living in the UK. He said no travel advisory was being issued to restrict the UK citizens from coming into Pakistan.

He pointed out that one of the major hurdles in the way of foreign investment in Pakistan is the issue of violation of intellectual property rights, especially in electronics, pharmaceuticals and book publishing. He expressed the hope that the matter would be handled effectively by the people sitting at the helm of affairs.

Site Association Chairman Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig said Pakistan realized the importance of the IPR and was taking stern action against those involved in the violation. “The government has also arrested many people in this regard,” he added.