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Islamabad, September 20, 2012 (PPI-OT): Trade Missions abroad should keenly collaborate with FPCCI and inform every latest development. Pakistan is trading with all countries regional and outside the region stated by Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani President, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in his welcome remarks on the visit of Mr. Munawar Saeed Bhatti, Pakistan’s ambassador (designate) to Brussels and European Union, at federation house Karachi.
Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani said EU remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner after USA; receives 25 percent of Pakistan’s exports and providing 10 percent of Pakistan’s imports. Textiles and clothing is an important sector for EU-Pakistan trade relations. After the devastating floods of 2010, the European Union (EU) formulated a relief trade package for Pakistan but the concession package not implemented due to objection from Bangladesh, India, Brazil and Peru. On September 13, 2012 this package has been approved by European Union parliament.
This decision of WTO and EU parliament is appreciated and welcome by FPCCI and all textile associations of Pakistan. The concession package will increase Pakistan export by 20 percent and textile exports by US$ 400-500 million. He further stated that GSP+ is very important for Pakistan. On 12th October 2010 EC has passed a resolution on Pakistan in which GSP+ recommended for Pakistan by 2014.
Mr.Manawar Saeed Bhatti, Pakistan ambassador (designate) to Brussels and EU congratulated on approval of autonomous trade preference. He said though time has lost but we are trying to implement it by 1st of October 2012 and Pakistan will receive full quota. He also emphasized upon hard work to benefit from this opportunity for shortest period of time.
He further proposed a mechanism between Business Community and his office with no gap to expand Pakistan trade to EU. He also offered FPCCI to visit Brussels while visiting EU member countries. He further added that trade among SAARC is expanding but EU is Pakistan’s important trade partner.
He informed that Pakistan is losing US $ 70 million approximately annually due to ban on fisheries and Sea food. Mr. Munawar Saeed Bhatti also pointed out some weaknesses such as standard compliance and delivery time etc.Mr.Munawar Saeed Bhatti also said that his first priority is to build image of Pakistan.
Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed Dhingra emphasized upon image building of Pakistan. he said due to negative propaganda against Pakistan our trade and industry is facing problems. Buyers are not coming to Pakistan due to travel advisory.
Dr.Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Chairman, FPCCI Standing Committee on Export Development stated that under the prevailing circumstances it is best opportunity for Pakistan to make use of this autonomous trade preference which has delayed due to objection from WTO member countries. He proposed that industry particularly textile industry should immediately be taken on board on this concession.
He emphasized that exporter should also negotiate order so that they become eligible immediately after implementation of the autonomous trade package. Mr.Ikhtiar Baig also proposed inclusion of fisheries and Sea food in GSP+ as it is not in the list of 75 items. He informed that EU team has visited Fisheries recently and they are satisfied on the standard of various items. Dr.Mirza Ikhtiar Baig also emphasized ratification of all international agreements.
It was proposed in the meeting that there has been many specialized trade fairs in European Union like ANUGA Food Fairs, SIAL Food Fairs, Ham-textile Trade Fair and other specialized trade fairs. Pakistan participation is not to the desirable extent.
It was proposed by FPCCI that FPCCI and TDAP may jointly organize Pakistan participation in the specialized trade fairs of EU member countries. It was also discussed that FPCCI and TDAP may initiate series of Made in Pakistan Exhibition in EU member states. It was further proposed by FPCCI that there is a need of network between the Business Community of Pakistan and EU Business Community. In this regard FPCCI can play a vital role.
The meeting was attended by Begum Salma Ahmed Vice President FPCCI, Mr.Nasiruddin Sheikh, Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Fairs and Exhibitions, Engr.M.A.Jabbar, Chairman, FPCCI Standing Committee on WTO Affairs, Mr. Abdul Shakoor Khatri, Chairman, FPCCI Standing Committee on Industrial Promotion and Facilitation, Mr.Waseem Vohra,Chairman,FPCCI Standing Committee on Foreign Investment, Sardar Shaukat Popalzai, Chairman, FPCCI Standing Committee on Counter Terror and Security
Meeting concluded with the presentation of FPCCI crest to Mr.Manawar Saeed Bhatti, ambassador of Pakistan (designate) Brussels and EU.
For more information, contact:
Syed Masood Alam Rizvi
Secretary General
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
B-1, Federation House, Main Clifton Road,
Shahra-e-Firdousi,
Karachi-75600, Pakistan
Tel: 0092-21-35873691, 93-94
Fax: +9221 3587 4332
Email: info@fpcci.com.pk
URL: www.fpcci.com.pk