ISLAMABAD, April 27: Pakistan has filed a provisional claim in the World Trade Organization (WTO) for seeking compensation to cover possible losses to be incurred due to the joining of 10 new countries in the European Union (EU) club by May 1, 2004.

Well-placed sources told Dawn on Tuesday that the claim was filed on the directive of commerce ministry seeking provisional compensation for the loss that might occur due to decrease in exports of rice, leather and other items to these countries following their joining the EU club.

According to the sources, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) would conduct a detailed research study on all exportable items to work out the impact on export of each product to these countries.

They would also determine the actual decline in the exports of products to these countries after May 1, 2004, added the sources. Following the determination of actual impact on export of products to these countries, a final claim would be submitted with the WTO, said the sources.