Meanwhile for the Bush Administration gaining support from Congress for the so-called Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), seems more important than Pakistan's trade concessions that would let him have free hand over finalizing trade deals with other countries and obtaining yes-or-no vote or, no amendments from the Congress.
For this, support from lawmakers representing textile pockets like North and South Carolina is a must, and Bush may go any length, even to the extent of negating all concessions offered to Pakistan.
Last visit of President Pervez Musharraf to Washington, Bush offered $1 billion worth debt relief to Pakistan. In addition, the United States would raise quotas in specific import categories in a package worth $142 million this year, $158 million next year and $178 million in 2004, which is about a third of what Pakistan expected.
Media reported that Pakistani delegation to Washington was furious then but, later denied laughing off when details of the trade concessions were informed.
Mill producers of Pakistan are harangued by the US to raise their quotas in categories not serving their interests like woven blouses for women and girls, a category in which
Pakistan exhausted only 18 percent of its 2001 quota.
The Bush Administration blames shifting purchasing patterns among the world's buyers that is affecting Pakistan's textile producers who need to consolidate their sourcing as quotas on textiles and apparel have got eliminated since beginning this year.
US textile make's woes coupled with the unwillingness of Musharraf's government to reciprocate for increased access for American goods, has in fact desisted administration openly welcoming Pakistani clothing and textiles.
It is all about pains, gains and bargains at the negotiating table for Pakistan, for now!
marketing@alchempro.com
