off-topic but related to this issue.
Good progressing for Tunisia and Pakistan along with Algeria first step before next high levels.
Tunisia, Algeria for expanding trade with Pakistan
ISLAMABAD - Ambassador of Republic of Tunisia in Pakistan, Mourad Bourehla has discussed the utilization of existing trade potential between Pakistan and Tunisia during a meeting with Senior Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim on Tuesday.
The Tunisian Ambassador showed great interest in Pakistan’s exportable products like surgical instruments, agricultural products and sports & leather goods. He informed that trade between Tunisia and Pakistan is highly favourable for both countries and it will reduce the Tunisian’s dependence on European Union. He told that Tunisia is in the phase of expanding its trade beyond the European Union and Tunisian government is very keen to boost trade with Pakistan. The meeting also discussed the importance of Pak-Tunisia Preferential Trade Agreement PTA, which is currently in the process of completion. The meeting decided to expedite the completion of PTA in order to boost the trading partnership between two countries.
The meeting was informed that the existing trade volume is far below their potential and there is a wide scope of cooperation in textile, science and technology, telecommunication and health. In a meeting, senior commerce minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim met Ambassador of Republic of Algeria at Pakistan, Dr. Ahmed Benflis. Various dimensions of promoting trade between Algeria and Pakistan were discussed during meeting. The meeting was informed that the Algeria is a great potential market for Pakistani products especially Pakistani textile and textile products are in great demand in Algeria.
The meeting decided to pursue holding of second session of Pak-Algeria Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), so that signing of Pak-Algeria trade agreement may take place. The first session of JMC was held on September 2005.
It was also decided that tariff and non-tariff barriers like visa issues might be reduced by relaxing visa regime especially for business community.
It is to inform that Pakistan’s exports to Algeria stood at US$ 32.033 million and Imports at US$ 2.525 million in 2010-2011.
In the same way, Pakistan’s exports to Tunisia stood at US$ 25.0 million and Imports at US$ 64.5 million in 2010-2011.