On the first day of the two-day trade talks beginning yesterday, Bangladesh also sought longer time than Pakistan to phase out tariff under the FTA and immediate free entry of its products to the Pakistan market.

Elias Ahmed, joint secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and Jafar Iqbal Qadir, joint secretary of Pakistan, led their sides to the talks.

"Pakistan proposed the FTA and Dhaka responded positively. Luckily, we reached a consensus on most issues during today's discussion," Qadir told newspersons after the meeting at the commerce ministry conference room.

He said tariff phase-out period, reduction of direct tariff and elimination of non-tariff barriers were the major points in the discussion.

"The trade gap tilts in favour of Pakistan. But we think trade volume between the countries should increase," said Elias after the meeting.

"Pakistan has agreed to give us special and differential treatments under the bilateral trade deal and both countries will have negative lists," he said.

A negative list mentions the products that do not enjoy zero tariff facility under the FTA.

According to meeting sources, Bangladesh proposed free access to Pakistani products after 12 years of signing the FTA, while Islamabad opens its market one year after the deal.

"However, Pakistan did not agree to this," said a source.

Earlier, Pakistan allowed duty-free access to Bangladesh's jute and tea up to a certain volume.

Bangladesh imported goods worth $68.68 million from Pakistan last fiscal, while its export amounted to $31.5 million, leaving a deficit of $38.4 million in favour of Islamabad.

In fiscal 2001-2002, Bangladesh imported goods worth $67 million while its export was to the tune of $28.6 million.

Tea, raw jute and jute goods make up Bangladesh's export basket to Pakistan, while its imports include textile and textile products, vegetable products, fruits and processed food.