Pakistan must diversify exports to Europe, says EU envoy

24 Aug '15

2 min read

Acting ambassador of the European Union (EU), Stefano Gatto, has asked Pakistan's business community to 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,” the Pakistani media quoted him as saying.

Gatto said that Pakistan's exports to EU had been gradually improving after the grant of GSP plus status, however after every two years, the 28-nation European bloc would assess whether Pakistan was fulfilling the conditions required to get duty-free access to European markets or not. The first assessment had begun, which would be officially reported in January 2016, he added.

Commenting on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said it could bring economic improvements and Pakistan would be able to play the role of a bridge between the Central Asian Republics (CARs). But Gatto termed the lifting of moratorium on death penalty and establishment of military courts serious issues "We want to see strengthening of civilian courts rather than giving the role to military courts," he added.

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 endorsed Gatto's statement that Pakistan needs to export traditional and non-traditional goods to the EU markets in order to fully benefit from the GSP Plus scheme. (SH)

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