ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has reminded Kiwis’ counterpart for the provision of revised schedule along with agenda for the next meeting of the Pak-New Zealand Joint Trade Commission (JTC).
The said session was scheduled to be held in the current month here in Islamabad but was postponed on the request of the New Zealand side” sources told Customs Today.
In the financial year 2015-16, total trade volume between both the countries was $83.551 million. The Pakistani exports were $33.559 million while imports remained $49.992 million thus trade balance remained in favour of New Zealand around $ 16.433 million.
The majority of New Zealand’s exports consist of pumps, dairy products, wool products and other animal products, while Pakistan exports are mainly textiles such as linen, cereals and apparel and carpets
The source said that Pakistan and New Zealand signed a trade agreement in 1990 and under the said agreement both sides had to hold meeting of the JTC, which had been delayed for almost 22 years.
“After a gap of 22-year, the inaugural session of the Pakistan New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC), was held at Wellington, New Zealand in March 2012 and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral trade and ways and means to further enhance the economic co-operation” the source added.
The source added that Pakistan side expressed desire to benefit from New Zealand’s expertise in agriculture and food processing. Pakistan sought New Zealand’s support in capacity building of its work force in dairy and agricultural fields.
“Pakistan also expressed interest in exporting mangoes to New Zealand. The mission has launched a formal request for market access for Pakistani Mangoes” the source observed adding that in May, 2013, MoC submitted particulars for export of fresh mangoes from Pakistan to New Zealand. Pakistan’s request for import permit is currently pending with the Ministry of Primary Industries of New Zealand (MPI).
