Pakistan assures EU to meet GSP+ timelines

Our Correspondent

Islamabad: Pakistan has assured the European Union to adhere to the agreed timelines relating to GSP +, despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ambassador of European Union to Pakistan, Ambassador Androulla Kaminara, called on the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce & Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood, at the Ministry of Commerce today. Secretary Commerce was also present during the meeting.

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Talking about the EU’s engagement concerning GSP+, the Advisor said that Pakistan has stayed focused and will adhere to the agreed timelines, despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. He emphasized that the implementation of 27 Conventions is important for Pakistan for its long-term national and social benefits.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various matters related to GSP+. They also discuss different avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and the EU. They discuss particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promotion of culture, and tourism industries. The Ambassador also discussed various ideas for providing support to the freelancers in the IT sector, handicrafts, and tourism. Both also agree to create linkages within the European Union to open new markets for the products and services.

Dawood said that there is a lot of potential in Northern Areas for locals to expand the tourist infrastructure on future cooperation possibilities. He also endorsed the idea for the promotion of the IT sector. IT is posting good growth and is being promoted under the government’s patronage, under the E-Commerce Policy. The Advisor underlined the ideas of building a closer relationship with the EU markets. However, this will require more brainstorming as both sides agreed to hold a separate meeting in this regard.

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Secretary Commerce also apprised the Ambassador of various developments. He also reiterated the Government’s commitment to follow the commitments with the EU. He appreciated the suggestions for further cooperation. The Ministry has already put on the development of SMEs under the ‘Pakistan Goes Global’ project and include in the Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2020-25.

The meeting ended with both sides agreeing to build stronger engagement by exploring more avenues of cooperation in the future.