ISLAMABAD, Dec 27: Pakistan will provide technical assistance to Afghanistan for preparation for its accession to the WTO. An official source told Dawn on Monday that the WTO General Council , on December 13, 2004, established working parties to examine the membership applications of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Afghanistan was also invited to attend meetings of the General Council and other WTO bodies as an observer. According to the official, Pakistan, as founding member of the WTO, would help the neighbouring country in drafting laws and procedures necessary for accession to the WTO.

Currently, Pakistan was also providing technical assistance to Afghanistan in the establishment of a customs organization and drafting of related laws and procedures.