The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has imposed conditions on flood-hit Pakistan in allowing duty-free entry of 75 products into the market of the European Union (EU) countries.
WTO gave Pakistan the opportunity to increase export of 13 of the 75 products up to 20 percent in two years, trade secretary Golam Hossain told reporters on Tuesday.
Bangladesh had objection about eight of the 13 products, he said and added that two were dropped from the list. The six were readymade garment products.
"The EU decided to allow duty-free entry of 75 products of Pakistan to help the country recover from the damage caused by twin floods. But Bangladesh and India immediately informed the EU about their concern of being commercially harmed," Hossain said.
"Bangladesh told the EU to drop eight products from the list if they want to help Pakistan. Otherwise, the readymade garments sector of Bangladesh will be harmed. EU and WTO imposed special conditions on six of the eight products objected to by Bangladesh. Pakistan got duty-free entry for two others," he added.
According to Hossain, Pakistan will be able to earn extra $ 20 million by exporting the two garment products in the next two years.
His comments came after commerce minister Faruk Khan told bdnew24.com after the Climate Vulnerable Forum meeting on Monday that Dhaka was against such uneven assistance to Pakistan. "Trade facilitation altogether is a different ballgame," Khan said.
"Our position is clear. We do not support any aid for trade programme for a country which is our competitor."
Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers' and Exporters' Association (BGMEA) president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said Bangladesh earns $ 58 million every year by exporting the products to EU states.
Foreign secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes said the EU could move to help Pakistan as India withdrew its objection.
"Argentina, Brazil Peru and another country urged the WTO to observe the matter," he said.
"We'll also inform the EU and the WTO headquarters in Geneva about our current stance in this regard through embassies," he added./.