The seventh round of talks between Pakistan and Indonesia to finalise the preferential trade agreement will begin today (Friday) in Islamabad.
According to sources in the Federal Board of Revenue, the Pakistani side will seek duty-free and concessionary access for products like textiles, surgical instruments, fresh fruits and vegetables to the Indonesian market.
In case of a positive response, Pakistan can, in return, offer a 15 per cent reduction in customs duty on palm oil imports, after which agreements are expected to be finalised and signed.
According to sources in the commerce ministry, Indonesia has been told that concessions in customs duty on palm oil were impossible, unless Pakistan had access to Indonesian markets for textiles, value-added leather garments, surgical instruments, oranges and other items.
Pakistan has demanded that Indonesia give it the same concessions for oranges, which Jakarta offered to China.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2011.
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