Dedicated GSP Plus office to open soon

Minister updates NA on mango export surge

ISLAMABAD:

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan informed the National Assembly on Monday that a dedicated office to handle GSP Plus-related issues would soon become operational. Responding to supplementary questions during the Question Hour, including inquiries about GSP Plus status, the minister stated that the Secretariat of the National Compliance Centre would soon be functional, which would help address emerging challenges, particularly in the textile sector.

Khan explained that the National Compliance Centre was developed to address the European Parliament's concerns regarding human rights, right to information, and other international compliance issues.

He emphasized that the ministry was working closely with all stakeholders, including the provinces, and that there was consensus on these matters.

The minister also mentioned that his ministry was in the final stages of hiring a company to brand and promote various Pakistani products abroad, focusing on new markets under the commerce marketing and branding mechanism.

He noted that around 20 foreign chefs who attended a recent food exhibition in Karachi appreciated the promotion of Pakistani mangoes.

This year, mango exports not only saw a sharp increase but also significant improvements in value addition. Pakistani missions worldwide organized special events as part of "mango diplomacy," where 100-300 guests, including ambassadors, were invited to promote Pakistani mangoes and related products. However, he highlighted that American and European countries have specific quality compliance requirements, especially for perishable items like mangoes.

Regarding dates, Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan's significant potential for producing various date varieties in Khairpur and other regions, including Balochistan.