AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi, September 22, 2014 (PPI-OT): Zakaria Usman, President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) expressed his serious concerns over the complaint of European Commission about phytosanitary non-compliance at import into the EU territory of plants and plant products and alarmed for taking strict action which may lead to restrictions on imports of most problematic commodities if necessary measures not taken to remove the harmful organisms from these products.
He further said that Pakistan’s agriculture consignments particularly fruits and vegetables are either confiscated or rejected by foreign countries, particularly the EU countries, due to non-compliance of international quality standards and lack of best agriculture practices in the country. He said that the government is still unable to follow Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS).
The President FPCCI further said that non-compliance of EU regulations may aggravate the problems and to avoid from drastic consequences we should create awareness about SPS and hold frequent workshops and seminars all over the country to educate the people.
In the wake of importance of GSP plus status TDAP should initiate such conferences and seminars in all provinces of the country with close collaboration of FPCCI and Department of Plant Protection of Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock.
He stressed on allocation of funds from EDF for this purpose so that our exports should be made with due compliance of SPS, he said. The FPCCI can provide the details of experiences of exporters and intellectual inputs in this regards, he further said.
Zakaria Usman further pointed out the continuous decline of Pakistani exports since May, 2014 which is a drastic indicator reflect the insignificant impact of GSP plus. He said that in May, 2014 our total exports was Rs. 2,113 million as compared to Rs. 2,027 million in the month of June and Rs. 2,095 million in July and Rs. 1,983 million in the month of August.
For more information, contact:
M. A. Lodhi
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: +92-21-35873691, 93-94
Fax: +92-21-35874332
Email: info@fpcci.com.pk
URL: www.fpcci.com.pk
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