Turkey, Pakistan discuss mulling duty concession

The two sides also exchanged the proposed lists of goods for duty concessions during the first round of technical negotiations held here from May 25-27 to implement the PTA between the two countries. Tevfik Mengu, Director General Foreign Trade, led the Turkish delegation for negotiating the lists, rules of origin with Pakistani officials. According to the sources, Turkey sought concession on around 115 items from Pakistan in the proposed lists, while Islamabad demanded concession on around 140 items from Ankara. These lists, the officials said would be discussed with the relevant stakeholders in both countries before allowing any duty concession on it under PTA.

Following the finalization of lists and rules of origin, the PTA is expected to be concluded in the second round of technical negotiations scheduled to be held in Ankara in July this year.

The officials said following the consensus of the technical teams of the two countries on the draft PTA, the ministers of Pakistan and Turkey would sign the agreement. It is expected that the agreement will be signed in the month of September 2004 during the proposed visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali to Ankara.