China agrees to accommodate Pakistan’s concerns

China on Thursday agreed to accommodate the concerns of Pakistan during the ninth round of negotiations on the China Pakistan free trade agreement (FTA).

The Pakistan delegation led by Commerce Secretary Mohammad Younus Dagha presented the demands of Pakistani exporters and industries for accommodating them in the final draft of the FTA.

The demands included those from exporters to provide tariff concessions equivalent to the ASEAN countries. On the other hand, various industries and chambers had provided input to the Ministry of Commerce during pre-negotiations consultations, for protection of the local industry from Chinese imports by disallowing tariff concessions on several products.



Dagha also suggested incorporating clauses for safeguarding the industries and the economy from any undue pressure on the balance of payments position.

After intense negotiations for two days, the Chinese side agreed to accommodate these concerns and demands in the amended FTA which is expected to be signed in March when the Chinese vice minister will visit Islamabad along with his delegation.

Chinese side was led by Chinese ministry of commerce’s Vice Minister Wang Shouwen and comprised of 16 officials of various Chinese Ministries.