There is need to conduct meetings in all chambers, trade associations to create awareness about European Unions’ Package for Pakistan: Salma Ahmed

Islamabad, October 23, 2012 (PPI-OT): “There is the need to conduct meetings in all the big chambers and trade associations in order to create greater awareness about the EU’s Special Concessions Package for Pakistan, and prepare the business community adequately for the incoming Generalized System of Preferences (Plus) Scheme in 2014. The Ministry of Commerce should play a leading role in this regard.”

This was stated by Begum Salma Ahmed, Vice President of FPCCI while chairing a joint seminar at the Federation House on Tuesday, October 23, 2012.

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had jointly organized the seminar to educate the business community regarding the Special Market Access being granted by the European Union to Pakistan through the Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATPs) Scheme, whereby 75 products exported by Pakistan will be allowed duty-free access to the EU market. This special market access will become effective starting on November 1, 2012; and will expire on December 31, 2013.

In her welcome address, Begum Salma Ahmed pointed out that this scheme would hopefully increase Pakistan’s exports to the EU by at least $500 million. She stressed that FPCCI had played an important role in lobbying for this package, and had also appreciated the European Parliament’s decision to approve the deal in favor of Pakistan

Speaking on the occasion, Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani welcomed TDAP’s initiative to organize the seminar jointly with FPCCI and reiterated FPCCI’s resolve to serve the interests of the country’s business community, thereby fulfilling its role as the apex trade body of Pakistan.

TDAP’s Head of WTO Cell, Mr. Mujeeb Ahmed Khan made an informative presentation about the preferential access for 75 items, which include textiles, leather and footwear, ethanol and mushrooms, and how businessmen could take full advantage of the export quotas/ceilings for the duration of this special facility. His presentation was followed by a Q and A session, which was moderated by Mr. Tipu Sultan Khan, Head of Advisory Services at the WTO Cell of TDAP.

The seminar was very well attended by leading members of the business community, including FPCCI Vice President Mr. Iqbal Dawood Pakwalla, and other prominent exporters and businessmen.

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