BRUSSELS, Jan 25: Federal Minister for Commerce, Humayun Akhtar Khan on Tuesday met Peter Mandleson, European Commission's Trade Commissioner and discussed the issues relating to access of Pakistani products to European markets.

The Commerce Minister is currently on an official visit to Belgium with the Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz. Both the sides expressed complete understanding of each other's viewpoint.

Mandleson showed an understanding about the requirements of Pakistan's developmental needs relating to market access. Humayun highlighted the progress and stability Pakistani economy had attained during the last few years as a result of efficient economic policies of the government.

However, the Minister stressed upon the Commissioner to continue EU's support for meeting and sustaining the developmental needs of Pakistan. He pointed out the vulnerable export base in Pakistan's economy and how important it was for the European Union to ensure the continuity of their understanding on the issue of market access.

Humayun stated that economic development was a major instrument to fight against extremism and radicalism and added that economic development was a key to alleviating poverty in Pakistan.

He also mentioned the painful exercise Pakistan had to undergo in consolidating the fiscal and economic parameters and the democratic processes. The European Commission is presently formulating its New GSP Scheme and inclusion in the New GSP Plus Scheme is vital for Pakistan's economic interests.

On the other hand anti-dumping duty of 13.1 per cent imposed on Pakistani bed linen by the European Union is also under review with the European Commission. Mandleson apprised the Commerce Minister that the Commission was reviewing various proposals made by Pakistan side and that the negotiations would continue in coming days.

The Commissioner also appreciated Pakistan's role in furthering the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and sought Pakistan's continuous support on DDA in the next ministerial round of the WTO to be held in Hong Kong.

He said that he was appreciative of Pakistan's role in the fight against international terrorism and in the promotion of world peace. Minister (Economic) of Pakistan at Brussels Tariq Iqbal Puri assisted the Commerce Minister during the bilateral discussion. -APP