EU envoy stresses on export diversity

Says first assessment of fulfilling conditions for GSP Plus currently under way


Our Correspondent August 22, 2015
Pakistan’s exports mostly consist of textiles but efforts should be made to diversify the export range in order to fully benefit from the EU’s GSP Plus scheme. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: The acting ambassador of the European Union (EU), Stefano Gatto, has said Pakistan’s business community must diversify its exports to Europe in the post-GSP Plus scenario.

Pakistan’s exports mostly consist of textiles and leather goods currently, but efforts should be made to diversify the export range in order to fully benefit from the EU’s GSP Plus scheme, he said while speaking to office bearers of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

“Pakistan needs to focus on strengthening its capacity in order to effectively compete in the international markets,” he said.

Gatto stated Pakistan’s exports to the EU have been gradually improving after the grant of the GSP Plus status for 10 years commencing from January 1, 2014. However, he added that the 28-nation European bloc will assess whether Pakistan is fulfilling the conditions required to get duty-free access to European markets after every two years.

The first assessment has begun and is currently under way, he said, noting that it will be officially reported in January next year.

Commenting on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said the corridor can bring economic prosperity, as Pakistan will be able to play the role of a bridge among the Central Asian Republics (CARs).

Terming the lifting of the moratorium on death penalty and the establishment of military courts two serious issues, the EU acting ambassador said these could be called negative steps. “We want to see strengthening of civilian courts rather than giving the role to military courts,” he said.

While welcoming the EU ambassador, KCCI Senior Vice President Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi stressed the need for improving the perception about Pakistan particularly in the EU countries. He said the security situation in Karachi has improved significantly due to the ongoing operation against criminal elements.

He also underscored the need to export traditional and non-traditional goods to the EU markets in order to fully benefit from the GSP Plus Scheme.

Commenting on Indo-Pak trade, Kasumbi said the business communities of Pakistan and India want to enhance trade and have no problems in dealing with each other. However, the lingering issues are mostly political in nature that can only be resolved through a diplomatic dialogue, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2015.

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