I would like to draw your attention to the feature titled, "WTO regime's effects and solutions" which appeared in your esteemed daily on January 3, 2004. The learned writer wrote, inter alia, that:
"The National Tariff Commission (NTC) requires complete restructuring so that it become capable of taking measures for the imposition of antidumping, countervailing duties and safeguard measures to protect the domestic industry."
NTC in this regard would like to add that the commission is already alive to the emerging needs for strengthening as well as expanding its present structure to meet the ever-expanding demands of the business community in the wake of WTO regime.
However, within its existing resources of men and materials, the NTC endeavours to continually train its technical staff for their capacity building.
Concerted and persistent efforts are also made to enhance the awareness of trade and business community in the application of trade defence laws through countrywide seminars and workshops.
Insofar as the implementation of the trade defence laws are concerned, which were promulgated in conformity with the respective WTO Agreements, the Commission has so far received three written applications under Antidumping Duties Ordinance, 2000 ("ADDO 2000") from the domestic industry, of which two cases have been finalised and final antidumping duties have been imposed, after due process.
The third case is under investigation. NTC has thus implemented the trade defence laws with limited staff and funds and has provided due relief to the domestic industries, wherever the facts of the case so justified, in keeping with the respective laws.
It is, however, pertinent to point out here that WTO Agreement on Antidumping emphasises a judicious approach and due process.
It also sets out the procedure for investigation that all WTO member countries are obliged to adhere to while carrying out an antidumping investigation.
ADDO 2000 is no exception. The investigation procedure under ADDO 2000 is consistent with the provisions of WTO Agreement on Antidumping.
It is equally right to mention that the WTO Agreement on Antidumping as well as the ADDO 2000 requires certain data/information (to be provided by the applicants), which is essential for NTC to initiate investigation.
Such information should, under the law, establish prima facie dumping and injury caused therefrom to the complaining industry.
It is, however, regretted that for some reason the domestic industry (particular sectors) has been reluctant to provide the statutory required data/information to NTC, without which NTC is handicapped to take any action.
To assist the domestic industry in preparing applications under trade defence laws, the NTC has set up a pre-application counselling section, though only a few have come forward to make use of the facility and at present, only three applications are being finalised by the applicants with the assistance of the pre-application counselling section.
NTC has also been advising Pakistani exporters facing antidumping investigations abroad. In particular, the NTC conducted seminars in major cities of Pakistan for bed-linen exporters who were facing antidumping investigation by EU.
Similarly, the NTC has also, from time to time, advised to Pakistan match industry facing antidumping investigation carried out by Egypt.
Please be assured that the commission holds the Business Recorder in high esteem, cognisant of the fact that the business community relies on this paper for accurate and informed reporting.

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