ISLAMABAD, March 3: Islamabad has asked the US to consider cut in import duty on Pakistan's textile related goods in a similar fashion it has given to other countries.

Pakistan's Commerce Secretary Tasneem Noorani, who was on a two-day official visit to Washington on Feb 28 to March 1 made the formal request in meetings with US trade officials.

An official announcement issued on Thursday said Pakistan's exports are deeply affected by United States policies, which allow preferential treatment to a large number of economies, but ignore Pakistan.

Its effects are felt especially by Pakistan because of the high rates of tariff the US imposes on textiles and apparels, the mainstay of Pakistan's exports. The commerce secretary called for immediate action by the US government, as textile trade had become extremely price sensitive after removal of quotas, and US government's high tariffs hurt Pakistan's interests.

He also met Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) Office, Ashley Wills, at the State Department and Assistant Secretary Anthony Wayne. Officials of both governments explored a number of options to strengthen trade relations, especially to provide a level playing field to Pakistan and increase in investment.

According to the announcement, the senior officials of the two countries would meet again in April or May 2005 to finalize such arrangements for Pakistan under the Trade and Investment consultations.

In particular, the US officials referred to the need to improve the Intellectual Property Environment (IPE) in Pakistan. The US officials emphasized the importance of intellectual property in Pakistan's economy and their government's commitment to the matter.

The US officials also expressed disquiet at the continued litigation that Slemens-Westinghouse faced in Pakistani court. These two issues have affected Pakistan's status to become a close trade partner of the US.

Secretary Commerce also met with representatives of the US private sector and think-tanks at the Prestigious Institute of International Economics to exchange ideas to work together for projecting Pakistan's economic objectives in the US and to collaborate on studies pertaining to Pakistan's trade interests.