The US policy-makers are still resisting allowing inclusion of Pakistan’s textile sector to get the duty-free access facility under the proposed Reconstruction Opportunities Zones (ROZs).

The US is planning to set up these ROZs in the least developed, tribal areas and in the last year October 8 earthquake affected areas of AJK and NWFP.

According to the Ministry of Industries sources, the idea of setting up of ROZs was floated by this Ministry and was presented by Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan to US trade officials.

The Pakistani Commerce Officials on request of the stakeholders are urging the US officials to extend the ROZs across the country and not to restrict it to only the tribal areas, earthquake areas and Balochistan.