Acting Ambassador of European Union (EU) Stefano Gatto says that Pakistani trade and industrial community must focus on diversifying their exports to Europe.
Stefano Gatto visited Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Speaking on the occasion, he said Pakistan’s exports mainly included textiles and leather goods but efforts must be made to diversify the export-range to fully benefit from EU’s GSP-plus scheme.
The EU envoy said Pakistan needed to focus on strengthening its capacity to effectively compete in the international markets. KCCI Senior Vice President Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, Vice President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, former president KCCI Majyd Aziz and KCCI managing committee members were also present on the occasion.
Stefano Gatto noted that Pakistan’s exports to EU had been gradually improving after the grant of generalized scheme of preferences (GSP-plus) for 10 years which commenced from January 1, 2014, but after every two years, the 28-nation European block will assess whether Pakistan is fulfilling the conditions required to get duty-free access to European markets or not.
The first assessment has begun and was currently underway which will be officially reported in January 2016, he added. Commenting on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said if it went well, the corridor could bring economic improvements and Pakistan would be able to play the role of a bridge between the Central Asian Republics (CARs).
