Quantitative import restrictions have already been eliminated except those relating to security, health, public morals, religious and cultural concerns. The number of statutory orders that exempted certain industries from import duties has been phased out by June 2004 and import duties on 4,000 items were reduced.
These measures have brought down effective rate of protection, eliminated the anti-export bias and promoted competitive and efficient industries. A number of laws have also been promulgated to bring the trade regime in conformity with World Trade Organization regulations. These include antidumping and countervailing measures and strengthening of intellectual property rights.