Pak President seeks early implementation of EU's ATP

30 Aug '12

2 min read

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, during his meeting with European Parliament Member Michael Gahler, has sought speedy implementation of the EU’s Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATPs) and Pakistan’s inclusion in ‘GSP Plus’ Scheme.

The President said the textile and clothing industry of Pakistan is facing serious problems, due to high tariffs in the EU market, particularly when most of its competitor nations already enjoy duty free access to the EU market.

Mr. Zardari stressed that in view of the massive financial expenses for fighting terrorism and looses incurred due to devastating floods of 2010, the country looks at trade and not aid as a sustainable option.

Enhanced trade access to the EU markets would help Pakistan to fight terrorism in accordance with the Government’s three-pronged strategy of Development, Dialogue and Deterrence, the President said.

Senator Farhatullah Babar, Spokesperson to the President, said the President hailed the EU Parliament’s decision to revise import vulnerability criterion from one percent to two percent under the GSP scheme.

Pakistan has ratified all the 27 international conventions that are compulsory in order to qualify for duty free access to the EU under the GSP scheme, the spokesperson said.

He added that Pakistan has withdrawn almost all the reservations it had against the two conventions – International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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