National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Friday the awarding of GSP-Plus status to Pakistan by the European Union is the landmark, achieved through diplomatic interactions, parliamentary diplomacy and government’s effort.
He expressed these views while attending an inaugural meeting of Pakistan-European Union (EU) Parliamentary Friendship Group in PIPS. He said that the awarding of GSP-Plus is the only good news for Pakistan during last months of stressed situation in the country.
This status provides more jobs and will strengthen the economic condition of the country. He appreciated the efforts of the diplomats of the European Union, who represent their countries and portrayed the actual and on ground situation of Pakistan in their respective countries.
Sadiq invited parliamentarians of the European Union countries through their ambassadors and speakers of the parliaments to visit not only Islamabad but also other part of the country with Pakistani counterparts. He said that boosting the contacts through Parliamentary Friendship Groups, would advance better understanding for achieving common goal of development.
The speaker said that the recent smooth transition of power from one elected government to another is a great motivation for strengthening of the democratic institutions in the country.
The speaker informed the ambassadors of EU regarding Human Resource Policy of National Assembly that will streamline work of the Parliament, more effectively and efficiently. He also shared that the Parliament of Pakistan is planning to electrify itself with solar energy with the support of the donors.
Speaking on the occasion, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Ambassador of the EU said that the granting of GSP Plus shows the importance of the European Union attaches to its relations with Pakistan.
In addition to expanding and facilitating Pakistan’s trade with EU, GSP plus will also promote economic growth and create much needed jobs across Pakistan.
He said that EU consumers will benefit as well from cheaper imports made in Pakistan.
The textile industry is an obvious winner, but we should work together to ensure that other sectors of Pakistan’s economy will benefit too. He urged that supporting growth and equal opportunity for everyone in Pakistan, regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender, are important objectives of the EU’s relations with Pakistan.
A large numbers of ambassadors of European Union countries and parliamentarians were also present on the occasion.