DOHA, Nov 11 : Pakistan is using its participation in World Trade Organization talks here to push for improved bilateral trade links with a range of countries, Commerce Minister Abdul Razzak Dawood told Dawn on Sunday.

Mr Dawood said he was using his contacts with WTO members to step up Pakistan’s drive to open up world markets and secure technical aid to boost exports.

“I am spending 50 per cent of my time on bilateral meetings,” Mr Dawood said. Discussions had already been held with the United States, Canada, Norway, China and Japan, he said, and added that further meetings were planned with Australia, New Zealand and the European Union.

Mr Dawood said he had three objectives: to upgrade Pakistan’s access to foreign markets, obtain funds for human resource development and ask countries to share their special skills with Pakistan.

“I have asked Norway, for instance, to help us improve our fisheries sector,” he added.

Countries could also help Pakistan - a key frontline nation in the war against Afghanistan - by lowering or eliminating import tariffs and removing quotas to give Pakistan an edge on foreign markets, Mr Dawood said.

He said special aid was needed to improve the qualith of Pakistan’s exports and upgrade training facilities. Western and other nations had done a U-turn in dealing with Pakistan since Islamabad’s decision to join the US anti-terror coalition, he said.

Mr Dawood added all countries he had spoken to said they were ready to help Pakistan. —Shadaba Islam