EU, German team hails tax reform system

Appreciating progress being made by Pakistan in tax reforms, the German Minister for Economic Co-operation and the EU Commissioner for Development on Saturday hoped that it would help increase the revenue of government.
Addressing a press conference here, German Minister for Economic Co-operation and Development Dirk Niebel and EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs expressed the hope that GSP plus status to Pakistan would be approved by World Trade Organisation to give more access to Pakistani goods to EU. EU Ambassador to Pakistan Lars-Gunnar Wigemark and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sabine Christiansen were also present on the occasion.
Germany has signed Euros 90 million assistance during 2012 and EU agreed to provide Euros 225 million in next three years for rural development projects, education, health and capacity building. Appreciating the tax reform system being introduced by the present government to bring more people under tax net, the German Minister said it was the first step, which would improve revenue of Pakistan government.
Replying to a question, the German Minister said Pakistan has to resolve energy problem, poverty issue and generate more funds to be allocated for education, health and infrastructure. Answering a question, the EU Minister said the EU Parliament has finalised the proposals and submitted to the WTO for approval to give GSP plus status to Pakistan for giving more access to EU market to the Pakistani products.
He said although the EU has been keenly observing the progress on the implementation of Energy Task Force recommendations in Pakistan but it is not attached to GSP plus status to Pakistan. The EU Minister also clarified that GSP plus status to Pakistan was not linked with Pak-India relations. He, however, appreciated the bilateral talks between Pakistan and India.
Answering a question regarding assistance for energy sector, the German Minister said during the last 50 years, half of the German assistance was for hydro projects in Pakistan. He said more assistance has been promised for future energy projects.
Commenting on the importance of Pak-India relations, the German Minister said Pakistan's 80 per cent trade is beyond the region as compared to German's 90 percent trade within in the region. He said improvement in Pak-India relations could further enhance bilateral trade for the benefit of people of the region.
Replying to a question about linking EU assistance to the improvement of human right issues, the German Minister said with the ratification of two important convention by Pakistan recently, it is expected that human right situation would be further improved.
The delegation also visited Swat and Faisalabad to review the progress on the EU and German assisted projects. The German Minister said technical training would be started very soon especially in the textile sector of Pakistan with joint co-operation of Germany, Netherlands and EU.
Appreciating Pakistan's commitment for the struggle against militants and extremists, the German Minister said Pakistan has faced losses. He said development work needed secure environment. Referring to his meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the German Minister said, "We have to find solution acceptable to both Pakistan and Afghanistan as peace could not be ensured in Afghanistan as the cost of Pakistan." UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sabine Christiansen while giving details of the help and assistance satisfied on the implementation of the projects in this regard.
She said a number of projected in Swat and other areas of Pakistan affected due to last year's flood have been started to ensure the health of the children through immunisation, providing basic needs of life, education, health and sanitation. The EU Minister and German Minister held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Speaker National Assembly, Dr Fehmida Mirza and other political leadership during the current visit.