The National Assembly was informed on Thursday that 33 per cent increase has been made in Pakistan’s exports after gaining GSP+ status.
Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan told the House during question hour that under the GSP+ status, 90 per-cent products of Pakistan have access to 28 European Union countries at zero rated duty.
He said the government was making efforts to further exploit the status by diversifying its exports. He said Pakistan was also exploring opportunities of exports to east European countries. Khurram Dastgir said through active diplomacy, the government was trying to get better market access for the local businesses in international markets by concluding free trade agreements and preferential trade agreements with different countries. Answering a question, he said the government would soon launch E-Commerce framework under which the exporters could exhibit and sell their products online. He informed the House that there was constant increase in transit trade with Afghanistan. The minister for commerce informed the House that 791 Pakistanis are behind the bars in Greece on different charges.
He said the Pakistani mission in Greece had requested the local authorities for updated information and consular access was also being provided to these prisoners. Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada told the House that at present 21 cricket stadiums and 25 hockey stadiums of domestic and international level were available in the country.
He said Pakistan Super League had given a good message to the world and efforts with coordination of media were going on to hold international tournaments in Pakistan.
On points of order raised by different members, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad informed the House that the government had decided to launch Pakistan Airways as an additional air travel facility for the passengers.
He said employees in the airways would be appointed on contract basis and the planes would be taken on dry lease. He said the new airline will not affect the PIA operation. He said the new airways will create an environment of competition.
The National Assembly also passed “The National University of Sciences and Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2016”. The bill was moved by Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid. The House will now meet today (Friday).