GSP+ status: FPCCI, EFP agree to converge policy advocacy, other goals

KARACHI: Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Acting President FPCCI, has said that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) have agreed in principle to converge their policy advocacy; skills development & awareness and research & development resources to enable Pakistan to continue to capitalize on its GSP+ status with the European Union (EU) as new EU parliament and EU Commission will be in place by June 2024; and, there might be some review or policy changes in rules framework for Pakistan’s GSP+ status.

He explained that Pakistan should remain on course on EU requirements on human rights; labour rights; environmental standards and good governance. These are principally the four areas where Pakistan’s performance comes under review. The next monitoring report on Pakistan vis-à-vis GSP+ compliance will be issued in November 2024.

Malik Tahir Javed, President of EFP, highlighted that the Employers’ Federation is focused on industrial relations; skills development and labour laws under the guiding principles and conventions of International Labour Organization (ILO); and, playing the role of a bridge between government and the employers from across all regions and sectors of Pakistan’s economy.

He also opined that the skills development programmes have been mostly run by the government; however, as per global trends, private sector should be actively undertaking skills development programmes to make themselves competitive – regionally & internationally.

Syed Nazar Ali, Secretary General of EFP, briefed on the National Skills Passport (NSP) programme of the Government of Pakistan; where skilled workers without educational diplomas & certifications are acknowledged and documented through this identity card type document.

EFP is facilitating GoP in this regard to not only empower the workers and employers; but, also enabling them get work overseas, he added.

Ravi Peiris, Senior Specialist on Employers’ Activities, ILO, stressed that FPCCI’s support is absolutely imperative in compliance on international labour conventions and growth of Pakistan’s exports as FPCCI represents the entire business, industry and trade community of Pakistan.

He also noted that Pakistan is a signatory of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and the government and the private sector shall collectively work towards their attainment.

Majyd Aziz, former President of EFP, mentioned that various chambers and associations are on board with EFP; nonetheless, FPCCI is the most important stakeholder of EFP programmes from the trade side for being the apex body; and, should nominate 3 members to EFP committee to liaison and conduct joint activities & programmes in the interest of national economy.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024