United States President George W. Bush restored trade benefits to certain Indian and Pakistani products on Wednesday, citing progress on intellectual property protections and worker rights. Bush said in a proclamation that the decisions were made after a review of steps taken by New Delhi and Islamabad to address the US trade concerns.
Bush said: "I have determined that India has made progress in providing adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights. Accordingly, I have determined to terminate the suspension of India''s duty-free treatment for certain articles."
Bush also said: "Pakistan has taken or is taking steps to afford workers in that country internationally recognised worker rights. Accordingly, I have determined to restore Pakistan''s eligibility for certain articles for preferential treatment," Bush said.
A list of affected products was not immediately released by the White House.