LAHORE, Dec 7: Germany and Britain are trying to resolve the issue of anti-dumping duty on Pakistani bedlinen to facilitate its textile exports to European Union. German Ambassador Dr Gunter Mulack disclosed this during a meeting of the 30-member businessmen delegation from his country with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Shafqat Ali here on Wednesday. Former LCCI President Mian Misbahur Rehman also attended the meeting.

He said that the German businessmen were visiting Pakistan to explore the possibility of investment and joint ventures. A German group has already finalized an agreement with a business concern for setting up business in Karachi.

Economic relations between Germany and Pakistan have strengthened following a number of high-level business visits carried out recently , the ambassador added.

He said that Germany was among the few countries which acted promptly in the wake of October 8 earthquake in Pakistan and extended full support for the rehabilitation of the quake-affected people.

Chamber President Mian Shafqat Ali said that both the countries should make sector-specific efforts for full utilization of the potential of the bilateral trade and joint ventures.

He said that there were doubts about the EU’s equitable role in regulating trade as it had not only subjected the Pakistani bedlinen to 9.9 per cent anti-dumping duty but was also considering imposition of Rules of Origin to encourage imports from the least developed countries (LDCs) like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Germany should use its influence for a review of the harsh EU steps against the Pakistani exports, he suggested. Former LCCI President Mian Misbahur Rehman expressed the hope that German firms dealing in industrial machinery, automation, data processing, rock mechanics, tunnelling, banking, energy and water supply, should consider greater engagements with Pakistani firms.