ISLAMABAD, March 28: Pakistan on Tuesday agreed to include 286 Indian products in the positive list, which would raise the list of tradable items to 1,059. The proposal was forwarded by the Indian government. Addressing a joint press conference after the conclusion of the first day’s meeting of composite dialogue, Pakistan’s Secretary Commerce Syed Asif Shah said that the Indian side had handed over a list of 286 items (15 fresh items plus 271 submitted earlier) for inclusion in the list.

“We had already examined some (items) of the earlier list, while the remaining would be considered soon in consultation with the stakeholders. We want to expand the positive lists,” Mr Shah said.

Pakistan has so far added 280 items to positive list during the past two years, raising the tradable items’ list to 773, he said.

Asked if Pakistan would grant MFN status to India under the Safta regime, the secretary said the appropriate level for discussing the issue was the forum of Saarc secretariat, adding that it should take up such kinds of issues.

Indian Secretary Commerce S.N. Menon said: “We are satisfied with the discussion on various issues, particularly on the railways issues, which is important for both sides.”

He said that a shipping protocol would be ratified shortly by Indian government. “We are looking for substantial increase of trade. We try to enhance trade under Safta keeping in view stakeholders’ interest,” he said.

He said that textiles-specific issues had been raised during the meeting.

Mr Menon said that India did not have any specific non-tariff barriers against any country.

When asked why India discouraged export of raw materials, the Indian secretary agreed that like other developing countries it also wanted to develop its own industries.

Mr Menon mentioned that India had imposed export duty on export of hides and skins to protect its own leather industry, which employed thousands workers.

To another question, he denied the existence of a separate list for restricting Pakistan imports.