Pakistan’s minister for commerce, Abdul Razak Dawood, has said he expects increased exports in leather and textiles to China to make up some of the shortfall created by the drop in buseinss due to the September 11 terrorist attacks and US military action in Afghanistan.

The comments were made at a meeting with Chinese trade ministers during a recent visit to the country. The Pakistani minister said Chinese imports of leather and textiles could increase from the present US$10 million and 4,600 tons to US$15 million and 100,000 tons each year. The increase would represent a much-needed shot in the arm for Pakistan’s leather and textiles sector, which has suffered a lack of orders since September 11.