The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Jean Francois Cautain has said that Pakistan has showcased a number of good stories in respect of trade enhancement after GSP plus incentives; however there is still a lot of potential to increase the trade volume. EU is in process to finalize new engagement plan to further strengthen the relations between Pakistan and EU.
FAISALABAD,(Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jan, 2018) : The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Jean Francois Cautain has said that Pakistan has showcased a number of good stories in respect of trade enhancement after GSP plus incentives; however there is still a lot of potential to increase the trade volume. EU is in process to finalize new engagement plan to further strengthen the relations between Pakistan and EU. Addressing the members of Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) here on Monday, Jean Francois Cautain said that relations between the EU and Pakistan have reached a mature level and needs to be strengthened further.
EU had adopted a 5-year Engagement Plan in 2012, which has broadened and deepened the relationship between the European Union and Pakistan. We are finalizing a new engagement plan to further strengthen the relationship, he said and added that EU is reviewing the progress on implementation of 27 UN conventions pertaining to human rights, labour rights, climate change, narcotics control and corruption. This review is a part of the scheme which monitors progress in terms of the convention and then submits a country report to the EU parliament.
While responding a question, EU ambassador appreciated the Pakistan’s efforts in fighting the terrorism and assured full cooperation in portraying the soft image of Pakistan in EU countries. In addition, he highlighted the various initiatives that have been taken by the European Union to help in the economic development of Pakistan. Earlier PTEA Chairman Shaiq Jawed welcomed the EU Ambassador and briefed him about the progress of textile industry and highlighted the prospects of future increase of textile exports to EU.
He termed Europe as major export destination for Pakistan and largest trading partner. Shaiq Javed thanked the EU for duty-free access that had opened new avenues of opportunities. GSP plus incentives helped Pakistan to build up its capacity to become more effective and competitive partner in international economics. Not only Pakistan’s market share has increased but exports to EU have also jumped from 4.54 billion Euro in 2013 to 6.
29 billion Euro in 2016, he said. Textile export sector, the major beneficiary of duty waiver facility, also gained significant momentum with 55% increase; especially in home textile products with 60 percent increase. He expressed the desire, wish and hope that duty free access should remain continue. Highlighting the key initiatives taken by the Association to improve the implementation of Social, Labour and Environmental Standards in textile industry, Shaiq Javed said that an International Labour Standard (ILS) Compliance and Reporting Program is successfully running with technical assistance of ILO to improve workplace practices in textile industry.
Another program, in collaboration with WWF Pakistan, has also been initiated to support the enforcement, implementation and compliance with International labour and environmental standards. In today’s era of globalization, industry must keep abreast with new opportunities and technological advancement. In this regard, a Sustainable Production Center (SPC) is being established under the aegis of GIZ Pakistan to work jointly for the promotion and execution of production activities.
He said that world is passing through an era of knowledge based economy. Major expansion of knowledge in technology, industry and services sector around the globe have posed serious challenges to the developing countries. “We are looking forward for the support to emerge Pakistan as a knowledge-based economy, compatible to the desired level of global change”, he said. Later PTEA shield was presented to the visiting EU Ambassador. A large number of textile exporters including former Chairmen PTEA Sheikh Mukhtar Ahmad, Mr. Faiq Jawed and Mr. Ajmal Farooq were present at the occasion.
