Prime minister reviews impact of GSP Plus facility

Discusses preparations for second review of the GSP regime

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting on Tuesday to review the impact of Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus regime on Pakistan’s exports.

Various issues relating to further strengthening of trade partnership with the European Union and securing greater market access for Pakistani products came under discussion, a statement released by the Prime Minister Office said.



While reviewing the overall impact of EU’s GSP Plus regime, the meeting participants expressed their satisfaction over the increase of 38.55% in trade volume since 2013.

The meeting was informed that the GSP Plus facility had enhanced eligibility of Pakistani products for duty-free access on an additional 66% of EU’s tariff lines and provided a level playing field for Pakistan’s goods vis-à-vis similar products from competitors who have liberal trade arrangements with the EU.

Various measures have been taken by the government including the setting up of the Treaty Implementation Cell, establishment of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, activation of commissions on women and children rights and several legislations passed by the federal and provincial assemblies, which have contributed significantly to improving the country’s image globally.



The meeting reviewed preparations for the second biennial review of the GSP Plus facility, which would be undertaken in January 2018.

Abbasi directed all stakeholders, including the ministries of commerce, foreign affairs and others to work together in resolving issues in order to further deepen Pakistan-EU trade partnership and secure greater access for Pakistan’s products in international markets.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail and senior officials attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2017.

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