An official delegation of Pakistan led by Secretary Commerce has discussed tariff preferences and reduction of non tariff barriers with the officials of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member in Geneva.
A statement issued by the Commerce Ministry said that the in pursuance of government’s policy to seek better market access for Pakistani products through tariff preferences and reduction of non tariff barriers in international markets a meeting was convened between the trade officials of Pakistan and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states in Geneva. The EFTA comprises four non-EU member states namely Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Pakistan side was headed by Zafar Mahmood, Secretary Commerce while EFTA side was headed by Luzius Wasescha, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the WTO and EFTA in Geneva. The delegation exchanged information on the economic situation in their countries. Both sides discussed the trade and investment flows between EFTA and Pakistan and their respective approaches to their preferential trade relations with third counties.
Both sides have agreed that a recommendation to conclude a Joint Declaration on Cooperation between EFTA states and Pakistan will be submitted to EFTA Ministers at their next meeting on 28th June 2012, in view of a possible signing of such declaration at the following EFTA Ministerial meeting on 26th November, 2012 in Geneva.