Implementation of EU notification: textile exporters concerned over TDAP's 'indifferent' attitude

Textile exporters have expressed concern over the indifferent attitude of Trade Development Authority (TDAP) towards the implementation of EU notification allowing duty free access to 75 tariff lines.
Chairman, Towel Manufacturers' Association of Pakistan (TMA), Mehtabuddin Chawla, in a statement to the Press issued here on Friday, said country's textile exporters to EU were very happy on belated implementation of EU grant of Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATP) to Pakistan but due to lack of homework by TDAP in connection with the issuance of Certificate of Origin, in compliance with ATP requirements, exporters are perturbed over the attitude of TDAP.
It seems that the Authority is "trying to wash out the hectic efforts and hard work done by Ministry of Commerce, WTO wing at Brussels and concerned EU countries consulates." Exporters made their air shipments in accordance with EU notification but TDAP could not yet streamline issuance of Certificate of Origin with the result that exporters are facing huge demurrage on their products at EU ports. "Since Friday is the last working day, exporters will start work on Monday, we request Ministry of Commerce to intervene in the matter so that they may receive benefit of EU notification," he said.-PR