GENEVA: Growing imbalance in terms of Pakistan’s trade with the countries of the European Common Market was focused on here last night (Nov 2) at the current meeting of contracting parties to GATT.

Replying to a statement made earlier this week by the representative of the EEC, Mr K. Shah Zaman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, said Pakistan’s debit balance on the trade account with EEC had risen from Rs56 million to over Rs304 during the past four years, while exports from EEC to Pakistan had increased from Rs340 million in 1958-59 to nearly Rs619 million in 1966-61.

Exports from Pakistan to EEC rose only from Rs284 to about Rs315 millon during the same period.

The Pakistani delegate to the GATT meeting pointed out once again the steady fall in the price of primary commodities during the last 10 years, during which the price level of the western manufacturers had on the other hand risen sharply. Effect of these factors on the development programmes had consequently been very serious.—European Correspondent

Indian arms buildup a cause of concern

RAWALPINDI: President Ayub today (Nov 3) held discussions with his top-most foreign affairs’ experts on the situation arising out of the massive arms supplies to India by Western countries.

The discussions were mainly of exploratory nature and certain decisions are likely to be taken when the conference will be resumed.

Since the discussions remained inconclusive, nothing can be said what exactly would be the stand of the Pakistan Government on the arms supplies to India. However, there is no denying the fact that with heavy supplies to a hostile India, the danger of Indian aggression has increased and those at the helm of affairs are conscious of this important factor.—Staff Correspondent