FTA talks held with US
Daily Times, Pakistan
FTA talks held with US
15 April 2005
WASHINGTON: Federal Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan Thursday said Pakistan was negotiating grant of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) status with the United States, which would benefit Pakistan in alleviation of poverty and bringing prosperity to the people.
He said this in a meeting with the US Commerce Secretary Carlos Guttierez, in his offices.
Humayun Akhtar sought Secretary Guttierez’s help with respect to FTA. He said the US has given FTA status to many friendly countries, including Oman, Jordan, Egypt etc, and added, “Pakistan should be extended the same privilege.”
Talking to newsmen after holding a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State, Ms. Christina Rocca, at the State Department, he said the discussions held were in the field of trade and economy, while “all aspects” of Pakistan-U.S. relations were discussed.
“I briefed the U.S. officials of the socio-economic development taking place in Pakistan,” he stated. Commerce Minister said, in the talks, Pakistan pleaded for grant of more market access for its products in the United States.
Earlier in the day, Commerce Minister held meetings with Advisor to U.S. president on International Economic Affairs Faryar Shirzad; and, Under Secretary of State Wayne.
Commerce Secretary Tasnim Noorani accompanied the Minister during these meetings.
In his meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary, Humayun Akhtar said laws were being adopted to satisfy U.S. concerns on intellectual property rights.
He told U.S. commerce secretary that facility of Free Trade Agreement would benefit Pakistan in alleviation of poverty and bringing prosperity to the masses.
The meeting with Carlos Guttierez was held in the offices of Commerce Department, he referred to grant of FTA status to other friendly countries, and added that “Pakistan should be extended the same privilege.”
“Pakistan is taking sincere measures to satisfy U.S. concerns on intellectual property rights,” he said, assuring that Pakistan was taking sincere measures, in this behalf.
He referred to the setting up of Pakistan Intellectual Property Rights Organization, and that legislation has been adopted on intellectual property rights; and that remaining laws are being actively considered and these would be enacted. These laws will help adequately satisfy the U.S. concerns, and hoped it would be adopted by the parliament soon.
