The Federal Minister for Commerce Humayun Akhtar Khan has said there would be no change except removal of textile quotas in 2005 with the enforcement of World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime. Dispelling apprehensions about WTO he said there would also be no change in import duty and the duties cover which was being extended would remain in tact.

Talking to PTV he said, there would be no new rules about quality and standards in 2005.

Humayun Akhtar further said Pakistan had been demanding removal of textile quotas and with the enforcement of WTO regime Pakistan would have opportunities and challenges too.

"For the last many years we have been preparing for this development," he added.

To a question he said, "We want to get maximum access to the European Union markets with less duties."

To another question he said, "We are striving to reduce electricity tariff especially for the industrial sector."

Under the policy of the government oil based thermal power stations were being converted into gas or coal, he said adding hydel power generation was also being focused which had the lowest cost.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005