Non-Implementation of SAFTA by Pakistan

Pakistan maintains a ‘Positive List’ of 1945 items which are allowed to be imported from India. Under SAFTA, Pakistan operates a sensitive list (negative list) of 1169 items.

This issue is being discussed at the ongoing rounds of bi-lateral trade talks between India and Pakistan. At the Commerce Secretary level talks in April 2011, Pakistan side has in-principle agreed to move from ‘Positive List’ to ‘Negative List’ trade regime. Pakistan has also recognized that grant of MFN status to India would help in expanding the bilateral trade relations.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.