The publisher of Pakistan Textile Exports and Quota/Non-Quota Guide has recently released the revised and enlarged third edition. The book contains complete description of quota and non-quota items, category classification criteria, clarification and guidelines issued by the eighteen major countries with quota restraints. It also provides complete background of the restraint on international textile trade, the multi-fibre agreements, Uruguay Round, Agreement on Textiles and Clothing and many more details. An exporter of textile products must know such details to maximize his or her profit.

According to the publisher's note, the prime objective of this guide is to broaden and sharpen the vision of existing as well as future textile exporters. Special emphasis has been laid on classification of quota and non-quota and product categorization criteria. The book contains the largest number of items under textile quota constraints in the USA, European Union and Canada — the major buying countries of textile products from Pakistan. It also contains Harmonized Description and Coding System (HS), codes used in visa and GSP forms. The comprehensive information on HS codes will save the exporters from making quaries regarding the HS codes of items from various sources.

The vital information and statistics provided in the guide are from World Trade Organization (WTO) and Export Import Permit Bureau of Canada. Details have also been acquired from Export Promotion Bureau, Federal Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Industries and Production, Textile Commissioner's Organization and All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA)

The detailed study of the data indicates the extensive, rather comprehensive, coverage of the subject. To be honest, this guide can be termed an 'encyclopedia' of textile business. For example it contains a complete profile of Pakistan, history of the evolution of integration of textiles and clothing trade under WTO regime, Textile Quota Management Policy 2001-2004 of the Government of Pakistan, details about frequently used terms and definitions in textile trade, contraventions and penalties and above all complete description of quota and non-quota categories.

The pervious editions were used extensively by the people associated with textile trade. The latest edition, containing additional information, is expected to further sharpen the knowledge of new entrants, before they could enter into textile export business.

To discourage large scale import of textiles and clothing from developing countries, the importing countries are imposing anti-dumping duties. This guide provides of the procedures to be followed through access to Textile Monitoring Board.

The importance of textile industry in the economy and exports of Pakistan cannot be undermined. Sector analysts believe that this industry alone has the potential to earn over US$ 10 billion foreign exchange. Though, the quota regime is expected to be completely phased out on December 31, 2004, exporters can get a fairly good idea of the products being exported and major buying countries.