WASHINGTON, Feb 15: Commerce Minister Razzak Dawood said here on Thursday the market access being stipulated by the White House for the Pakistan products to help country’s textile exports was “not enough.”
Talking to reporters following President Musharraf’s press conference, Dawood said $142 million package was “very small,” and added: “I am not satisfied.”
When asked whether he had set a threshold with the Americans before the package was announced, he said: “No.” This is despite the fact that Dawood has been in Washington a week ahead of Gen Musharraf’s visit to the White House meeting with the US Commerce Department officials, including the US Secretary of Commerce, Donald Evans.
Dawood could not give a specific figure which could meet Pakistan’s requirements.
Since Sept 11 imports of Pakistan textile goods had sharply reduced as the American apparel makers and clothing importers were staying away from Pakistan.