960417

EPB not to set up

display centre

in Bahrain

NAYYAR ZUBERI

KARACHI: The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has refused to allow setting up of a display centre at Bahrain owing to an agreement with Image General Trading, Dubai.

Addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club on Wednesday, Swalheen Ibrahim, Managing Director of S.H. Industries Limited, said that he had approached the Embassy of Pakistan in Bahrain which had recommended his case to EPB as the project did not involve any financial liability on the part of the government.

The embassy had also promised to provide all necessary assistance for setting up the proposed trade and export display centre.

In February last the EPB informed S.H. Industries that the Government of Pakistan's policy was to encourage opening of display centres, establishment of trade and display centres, or warehouses in private sector.

But now the EPB has written to the company; "A careful study of the MOU under reference and another MOU signed between EPB and Image General Trading, Dubai reveals that the proposal for setting up of display center at Bahrain would be in derogation to the liability envisaged in clause 8 taken by EPB upon itself vide MOU signed between EPB and Image General Trading, Dubai. Failure to stand to its commitment may result in litigation by the other party against EPB".