Federal Secretary Commerce Zafar Mahmood has said that issue of Non Tarrif Barriers (NTBF) imposed by India on import of Pakistani goods and balance of trade which is heavily in Indian favour will be discussed in the secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan staring from April 13th.
He was talking to media after the award giving ceremony organised in honour of Vice Chancellor Pakistan Institute of Fashion And Design (PIFD) Hinna Tayyaba by Minister of Culture and Communication of France. The award was given by French Ambassador Philippe Thiebaud to Hinna Tayyaba here on Wednesday.
Mahmood said that positive list will be finalised after approval of the cabinet adding that Pakistan will normalise trade with India by the end of this year. He said that on the eve of Pakistan India Secretary level talks a 100-member Pakistan delegation is leaving for India to participate in the trade exhibition in India starting from April 12.
Earlier while addressing the award giving ceremony, Zafar Mahmood said it is a matter of great pride for the people and government of Pakistan as well as for the institute. He said since establishment of the institute government of France is supporting it. He hoped that in future also government of France would continue its support to the institute. Speaking on the occasion French Ambassador said that appreciation and demand of Pakistani fashion products in France and European Union is increasing. He said Pakistan now-a-days is facing energy crisis and Government of France is helping Pakistan by financing its different hydro-power projects.
He said that there is a lot of demand of Pakistani products in France and Pakistani exports to France have increased by 25 percent in 2011 adding that there is a lot of potential of Pakistani textile products exports to France. Philippe said that Ministry of Culture and Communication honours those persons who have been prominent in their artistic or literary creations. He said that PIFD is a reputed institute of international level and conferring of award to its vice chancellor Hinna Tayyaba is an honour for Pakistan.