Muhsin Aziz, chairman of the Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), said that the textile and garment industry in India is more effective than other countries in terms of synthetic fibers and synthetic fibers. Therefore, the government of Pakistan needs to take positive measures before the most favored nation treatment granted by India is in place.

Pakistan's Federal Minister of Commerce, Mahmoud, said in a statement that discussions with the industry stakeholders on India's most favoured nation status may soon be over, and Mr. Aziz responded to the statement.

At a consultative meeting organized by APTMA office in Punjab, Mr. Mahmoud said that after consultation, the matter will be submitted to the cabinet for approval.

He stressed that trade normalization with India is a very important issue at the moment, but he said that Pakistan's industrial and India non-tariff barriers are also worrying.

He pointed out that developed countries have always maintained political differences in the Gulf to maintain their trade relations. He cited examples from the European Union and Turkey, China and Taiwan, Hongkong and China.

Mr. Mahmoud said that the Minister of Commerce depends on consultation with the industry to decide the future course of action. This may lead to a trade normalization agreement between Pakistan and India on the basis of equality.

According to Mr. Mahmoud, Minister of Commerce Maher Doom Amin Fahim recently visited India. The minister suggested that the non-tariff barriers be abolished as a permanent solution to the normalization of trade with India.

He also said that the second round of negotiations may start soon, and he is optimistic that the two countries will be friendly and clear about all trade barriers.

He also praised India for supporting the EU's proposal to grant 75 trade preferences for Pakistan products.

He added that Pakistan looked forward to India's support for Pakistan's GSP Plus + preferential measures in 2014.