Pakistan, Mauritius to sign PTA in November
Pakistan Times
Pakistan, Mauritius to sign PTA in November
Pakistan Times Business & Commerce Desk
8 September 2006
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Mauritius signed the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), Rule of Origin and Customs Cooperation agreements during the 5th session of their Joint Working Group on PTA to be held in Islamabad in November this year.
The fourth session of the Mauritius-Pakistan Joint Work Group on PTA was held in Port Louis on August 29 and 30, 2006.
The talks were held in a cordial atmosphere. The two delegations expressed the keen desire to deepen bilateral trade and economic relations through a comprehensive partnership agreement that will cover trade in goods, trade in services, investment, economic and technical cooperation, according to a message received from Port Louis.
To facilitate exchange of concession through and early harvest, both sides agreed to expedite the process leading to the signature of the Preferential Trade Agreement by the respective Trade Ministers of the two countries around November 2006 in Islamabad.
The texts of the PTA, Rules of Origin and Customs Cooperation have been finalized. Lists of products for immediate exchange of concessions have been drawn.
Before signing of the PTA, discussions will be pursued with a view to finalizing the tariff concessions by both sides.
While a view to enhancing cooperation in the areas of services, investment and economic cooperation, both sides agreed to exchange project briefs and pursue sector-specific dialogues that will pave the way for an eventual framework agreement in these areas.
The Pakistani delegation paid courtesy calls on Rashid Ahmed Beebeejaun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Transport and Shipping, Madan Dulloo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation and Asraf Dulull, Minister of Housing and Lands.
The JWG took note that a round of bilateral air services talks will be held in Islamabad on a mutually agreed date by December 2006.
