Pakistan To Get GSP-Plus Status For Another 10 Years: Governor
Sumaira FH Published October 28, 2021 | 01:00 AM
LAHORE, Oct. 27 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Oct, 2021 ) :Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said on Wednesday that Pakistan will be granted extension in GSP-Plus Status by the European Union and the country will also get this status for another 10 years.
He was speaking here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI). LCCI President Mian Nauman Kabir, Senior Vice President Mian Rehman Aziz Chan and Vice President Haris Ateeq also spoke on the occasion while former presidents and Executive Committee Members were also present on the occasion.
The Governor said during his visit to Europe, he held meetings with more than 30 members of the European Parliament including four vice presidents, adding that his meetings had been successful in all respects.
He was confident that despite all conspiracies of India, Pakistan will get GSP Plus status for another 10 years. It will provide financial benefits of more than USD 4 billion to Pakistan annually. He said so far the GSP Plus status has benefited the Pakistan economy with USD 20 billion. He said that Pakistan will also win the case of Pakistani Basmati Rice Trade Mark.
The Governor said that during his visit to Europe, everyone appreciated Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process. He said that Pakistan is playing a positive role in establishing peace in the world including Afghanistan.
LCCI President Mian Nauman Kabir appreciated the efforts of Governor Punjab for GSP-Plus Status to Pakistan. Because of concessions in duty under GSP Plus, Pakistan's exports to EU countries have reached USD 8.8 billion which is 32% of Pakistan's total exports.
The LCCI President hoped that the Governor's recent visits to Belgium, Italy and Hungary will have good results. He said that the lobbying by the Governor Punjab for Pakistan and meeting with the Vice President of the European Union in Brussels will help Pakistan to secure GSP-Plus Status.
"We are also playing our role in this regard," Mian Nauman said and mentioned that the Ambassador of European Union to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara was invited to the LCCI for a detailed discussion on GSP Plus. She informed us the European Commission has been formulating a new 10 year GSP-Plus Scheme since the beginning of 2024 and some new conventions are being added to it related to Human Rights, Labour Rights and Governance. Pakistan, including other countries will have to re-apply to get GSP Plus status.
Mian Nauman Kabir said that the government should evolve a strategy and should facilitate the business community to extract full benefits from the GSP Plus Status. He assured that the business community will fully support the government in implementing existing and new conventions.
The LCCI President said that exports play an important role in economic development. Under GSP Plus, most of the exports consist of textiles. He said that more value-added sectors including leather products, cutlery and other sectors will take full advantage of GSP Plus. He added it is imperative that Pakistan should be part of the new 10-year GSP Plus Scheme to be implemented in 2024.
Mian Nauman Kabir said that importance of the SME sector in Pakistan's economy can be gauged from the fact that this sector accounts for 40% of the GDP. This sector also needs the support of the government to benefit from GSP Plus.
Later, the Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, along with the LCCI President Mian Nauman Kabir, Vice President Haris Ateeq and Executive Committee Members, inaugurated the NADRA e-facilitation at LCCI.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Boeing passenger plane exits runway in Senegal injuring 11
PML-N ulema wing stresses punishment to May-9 culprits
No reprieve for perpetrators of May 9 arson attacks: PM
Punjab governor terms May 9 dark chapter in country’s history
Nadal squeezes past qualifier Bergs in Rome opener
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema chairs meeting with EDCF ..
Jinnah House attack: ATC grants bail to 7 accused
Under women empowerment plan, 1,600 lady cops recruited: IGP
All possible relief being provided to police personnel
IG Punjab provides house to family of another martyr
Commissioner Sukkur distributes gifts, flowers among thalassemia patients
Pakistan eyes green energy, technology cooperation with China in CPEC 2nd phase
More Stories From Pakistan
-
PML-N ulema wing stresses punishment to May-9 culprits
35 minutes ago -
No reprieve for perpetrators of May 9 arson attacks: PM
35 minutes ago -
Punjab governor terms May 9 dark chapter in country’s history
35 minutes ago -
Jinnah House attack: ATC grants bail to 7 accused
44 minutes ago -
Under women empowerment plan, 1,600 lady cops recruited: IGP
44 minutes ago -
All possible relief being provided to police personnel
39 minutes ago
-
IG Punjab provides house to family of another martyr
39 minutes ago -
Commissioner Sukkur distributes gifts, flowers among thalassemia patients
53 minutes ago -
LG & CD deptt organizes awareness walk under "Suthra Punjab" programme
55 minutes ago -
Road infrastructure in Suhbatpur on modern lines top priority: Saleem Khosa
39 minutes ago -
Rally held to express solidarity with Pakistan Army in Barkhan
39 minutes ago -
DG Rangers commends martyrs for sustaining peace
39 minutes ago