“This proposal will offer a real boost to Pakistan’s economic recovery...,” said EU trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.

Liberalized items would mostly consist of clothing and textiles, which are at the core of Pakistan’s export industry, and make up 60% of its exports to the EU.

Examples of items to have their tariffs dropped include knitted or crocheted gloves, with regular duties of 6.4 % to 8%, and women’s cotton garments, which attract 9.6% to 12%. Lines covered by the deal also include many yarns and cotton fabrics, and a wide range of knitted and woven clothes.

The suspension of duties on specified imports will apply from 1 January 2011, provided approval is secured at the EU Council of Ministers.