Members of World Trade Organization (WTO) who were previously opposing the European Union’s trade concession to Pakistan have, while approving the package, stressed that the waiver of WTO rules should not be treated as a precedent. The EU request for duty concession to Pakistan on 75 selected items through waiving rules of the international organization, however, were approved by the opposing members at WTO saying that they were now able to agree to the waiver request after consultations with the EU and Pakistan.
However, they stressed “the waiver should not be treated as a precedent,” a statement of WTO said. Accordingly, Saudi Arabia called on members to support the EU request. Brazil said that after intensive consultations with the EU, and also with private industry, it could now accept the waiver. Indonesia said it could now go along with the waiver. Bangladesh said that it is heavily dependent on textile exports, especially to the EU, but nevertheless view this as an exceptional circumstance. Argentina said the revised EU request allayed its concerns, and expressed solidarity with Pakistan. Peru noted the exceptional nature of the request. The EU thanked members for their co-operation, adding that this showed the organization can move forward on trade matters. Pakistan expressed gratitude to members who are standing by in times of need and pain.
