ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday reiterated his call for early operationalization of the EU’s Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATPs) and Pakistan’s inclusion in GSP+ Scheme.
During his meeting with Mr. Michael Gahler, Member European Parliament, here at Aiwan-e-Sadr,the President while thanking European Union for its decision to grant trade concessions to Pakistan in the aftermath of devastating floods expressed the hope that ATP Package would soon be implemented to help Pakistan’s economy recover from the losses suffered due to floods during the last two years.
The President said that Pakistan’s textile and clothing industry was facing serious obstacles due to high tariffs in the EU market, especially when many of its competitors already have duty free access to the EU market.
Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President welcomed European Parliament’s decision to revise GSP scheme recommending upward revision of import vulnerability criterion from 1% to 2%.
He said that Pakistan has ratified all 27 international conventions mandatory for becoming eligible for duty free access to EU through this scheme. It may be mentioned that Pakistan has also withdrawn most of reservations against the two conventions i.e. International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture.
The President emphasized that in wake of huge economic cost of the ongoing war against terror and the devastating floods, trade not aid was the most sustainable option for Pakistan.
He said that greater trade access to Pakistan in EU markets would help the country to counter-terrorism in line with the Government’s three-pronged policy of Development, Dialogue and Deterrence.
The President also raised the issue of fisheries urging for early resumption of fisheries exports from Pakistan to EU. It may be recalled that fisheries establishments from Pakistan were de-listed by EU since 2007 due to food safety standards concerns.He urged the European Union to initiate FTA negotiations with Pakistan.
Discussing bilateral relations and mutual cooperation, the President appreciated EU’s budgetary support to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh for improving primary and secondary education.
Appreciating EU Multi-annual Indicative Program (MIP), the President also welcomed the second MIP that envisages assistance in KPK and Balochistan for District Governance and Community Development Program, Public Financial Management, rule of law, trade development, support to democratic institutions and promoting human rights.
He also thanked EU’s financial support to implementation of Malakand Development Strategy and also through KPK/FATA/Balochistan Multi-Donor Trust Fund that is managed by World Bank.
The President also expressed the hope that visit of EU High Representative Lady Catherine Ashton and launching of Pak-EU Strategic Dialogue will further consolidate the bilateral relations.
The President said that Pakistan seeks consistent support of the European Union in mitigating the sufferings of the people hit by the natural calamity.
He stressed upon early realization of the pledges made for the country by EU member states and European Commission from the platform of FoDP Ministerial meeting in Brussels in October 2010.
The President said that Pakistan looks towards Friends of Democratic Pakistan for assisting it in mobilization of investments through public-private partnerships and also in providing guarantees to their private investors.
The President also stressed the need for non-discriminatory security procedures at the airports in EU countries.
On war against terror and the regional situation, the President said that in accordance with the Parliament’s guidelines Pakistan had opened the Ground Lines of Communications in the larger interests for peace and stability in the region.
He said that Pakistan has abiding interest in the stability of Afghanistan and would continue
lending every support to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process. He said Pakistan wanted peaceful relations with its neighbours based on mutual respect, sovereignty, trust and cooperation.
He said that recent attacks on Pak border posts by terrorists from across the border and brutal killings of Pakistani soldiers was a matter of serious concern. Effective measures needed to be undertaken to dismantle terrorist heavens, the President emphasized.
He also stressed upon long-term economic engagement by the international community in Afghanistan which he said was important for sustainable peace of a war-torn country and socio-economic development of the people.
Mr. Michael Gahler thanked the President for the meeting and assured continued support of European Union to the democracy and the people of Pakistan.
Mr. Michael Gahler was accompanied by Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Deputy Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon and Eva Atanassova. Secretary General Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar, Advisor to PM Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Senator Sughra Imam, MNA Ms. Rukhsana Bangash and other officials were present in the meeting from Pakistan side. Chairman PPP Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present.
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