Duty-free textile imports from Pakistan, Afghanistan

Economy meets diplomacy in the U.S. Congress, with an amendment to a foreign aid bill allowing duty-free import of textiles and apparel products from designated Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZ) in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The amendment authorizes President Barack Obama to designate ROZ if the countries work toward market-based economies, rule of law, fair labor standards and acceptable work conditions. The President may waive, withdraw, suspend or limit the duty-free treatment under the act if criteria are not met. The U.S. textile industry has opposed the amendment.