US, Pak discuss ways to improve Indo-Pak trade ties

Washington, Apr 26: The

and

have concluded their sixth-round meeting of the TIFA (Trade and Investment Framework Agreement) Council in Washington, during which they discussed bilateral issues, besides ways to improve Indo-Pak trade relationship.

During their meeting, the US and Pak officials discussed a number of trade and investment issues including measures to improve market access, the US Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), protection and enforcement of intellectual property, investment, a number of agricultural issues and Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs).

"Another important discussion focused on improving regional trade in South Asia and removing barriers to increased trade and investment in the region, including the implementation of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement and improved trade ties between Pakistan and India," an official statement said.

Both sides agreed to work together to further the work of the TIFA Working Groups on empowering women entrepreneurs and improving US-Pakistan private sector engagement.

"It was further agreed that sector-specific engagement between the two private sectors will be arranged on the margins of future TIFA Council meetings," the US statement said, adding that both sides agreed to establish a TIFA Working Group on Trade and Investment Promotion Initiatives.

The US agreed to share a working paper on this initiative with Pakistan. "The parties agreed to discuss dates for the next TIFA Council meeting to be held in Pakistan in 2013," it said.

PTI