ISLAMABAD – Minister of State for Information Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari has indicated that since 2010, a total of 22 complaints were lodged by foreign buyers against Pakistani exporters, alleging supply of substandard goods.
Replying to a question in the Senate on behalf of Commerce Minister Amin Fahim, he informed that during the last three years, a total of 95 complaints were lodged against country’s exporters for supplying substandard goods. In 2008, foreign buyers lodged 29 complaints, while in 2009 and 2010, the number of complaints lodged stood at 44 and 22 respectively.
However, the minister stressed that no complaint had been received by the government regarding the import of substandard goods. He went on to say that the government takes necessary action against the exporters selling poor quality products.
To another question, the minister informed the house that the ministry of commerce negotiated and signed the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA) in 1965, while a revised Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) was signed on October 28, last year. He said the value of transit trade under the ATTA during 2010 (January-September) was $842 million.
