GSP plus status in EU: KCCI urges India's Secretary Textile to support Pakistan

Vice President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Junaid Esmail Makda has communicated a request from Pakistani business community to IAS, Secretary Textiles Government of India, Shrimati Rita Menon to support Pakistan to get GSP plus status in European Union.
During a recent visit of India, Makda and Shrimati Rita Menon exchanged views regarding participation in trade fairs, exhibitions and other areas. According to KCCI press release, Junaid Makda said that detailed discussion was held with Secretary Textiles on possible co-operation of Indo-Pak Textile sector. He added that due to flood across the country the economy had faced slowdown as crops were destroyed. In the next session, India may support Pakistan as the matter was in the EU parliament and after some changes it Would likely be approved.
He gave a food for thought to the Secretary Textiles that for cotton, both sides should have some understanding beneficial for both countries. Last year, cotton was sold and purchased between two countries and this year both the countries were expecting bumper cotton crops.
He appreciated the initiatives taken by Indian Textile Ministry to boost the textile exports. Makda emphasised to narrow down misunderstandings between two countries and promote trade, particularly in textile and allied sectors. He informed that he was also the Chairman of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) and the association was interested to open a sub-office in India.
Makda informed that for year 2009-10 Pakistani exports to India were US $268.33 million whereas the imports from India were $1944. He highlighted the potential trading/import of raw materials and textile machinery from India. He was of the view that allowing two-way trade of BT Cotton and textile machinery and raw material will have a major impact to enhance bilateral trade.
In 2009-2010 Pakistan imported textile machinery worth US $297 million and in year 2010~2011(July-May) textile machinery import increased to US $427 million. He urged to increase trade through land-route. He said that the KCCI delegation was on the visit of India for advocacy to promote bilateral trade and sign Co-operation Agreement with Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry as desired by Commerce Ministries of the two countries.
He requested the Secretary Textiles to give her recommendation to the Secretary Commerce and Minister for ease in the visa procedures so that businesspersons from both countries can easily visit and pave way to increase their businesses. He also requested for recommendation for export of textile machinery to Pakistan.
Secretary Textiles, Shrimati Rita Menon, IAS, earlier, welcomed the KCCI delegation at the Ministry. She highly appreciated the participation of KCCI delegation in the 47th India International Garments Fair Exhibition. She informed that several fairs and exhibitions were held annually and Textile Ministry was looking after the sectors of textile, cotton, jute, synthetic, technical textile, wool, lawn, handicrafts, fashion education, textile education etc with diversified responsibilities.-PR