FRANKFURT, Jan 10: Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan has expressed the hope that European Union (EU) will not impose anti-dumping duty on Pakistan bedlinen.

“My meeting with European Union Commissioner for Trade Pascal Lamy was very useful and fruitful. I hope that EU will not impose anti-dumping duty on Pakistani bedlinen,” the minister said and added that his counterpart has given assurances in this regard.

Talking to APP here on Friday during his visit to Pakistani stalls at world’s largest home textile fair Heimtextil, the minister said that the meeting with his counterpart in the EU was very positive and he has also discussed other issues.

Pakistani Minister had held meeting with the EU Trade Minister on Thursday at EU headquarters in Belgian city Brussels. However, he said that the Commission would hold proceedings of anti-dumping duties on Pakistani products as usual for 15 months.

“We also talked about bilateral relationship and multilateral issues relating to trade between Pakistan and European countries. I am satisfied with these discussions and hope that Pakistan will get exceptional flexibility quota of 2000 tons in towel from the EU,” the minister said.

Talking about his expressions about Pakistani stalls at the fair, Humayun Akhtar Khan said that he was highly impressed with the presentation. “These stalls can be compared with any top company in the world. The product range is good. Their colours, designs and display are exceptional,” he observed.

The also praised the performance of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in organizing Pakistani Pavilion and said that exporters were also satisfied this year with EPB’s performance.

More than 200 Pakistani exhibitors are displaying their products at Heimtextil this year with an addition of at least 60 new firms exhibiting their products for the first time at this prestigious show.

Talking about his meeting with the Pakistani exhibitors at Heimtextil, he said that they have given him suggestions regarding anti-dumping and embargo. “I have been talking to businessmen frequently to take their suggestions regarding trade policy and exports,” he said.

The businessmen have suggested Humayun Akhtar Khan to seek adjustment of quota in the year 2003 for the held-up consignments.

To a suggestion about setting up warehouses by Pakistani businessmen in European countries, the minister said that government will provide some incentives in this regard.

Addressing the Pakistani exporters of home textiles at Heimtextil, Humayun Akhtar said that the government was looking beyond 2005 when the quota system would be done away with and the Pakistani exporters will have to compete with other competitors in the open international market.

“Enhancing exports and achieving higher growth rate for the economy are the top priorities of the government, the commerce minister said.

He said that the government and the private sector must make joint efforts to ensure that Pakistan gets its due share in the international market in a competitive environment. He assured them that the government would do every thing to resolve the problems identified by them.—APP