Like the rest of the world, Brexit continues to unnerve the Pakistan government; the Ministry of Commerce has proposed an active trade diplomacy with members of the European Union to strengthen trade relations and augment support in the European Parliament and European Commission.
However, an informed source said there were apprehensions in the government quarters whether the Commerce Ministry alone could effectively handle the grave crisis that has just occurred and is still taking a definite shape.
The fallout from Brexit can only be minimised with a strong teamwork led by the political elite and implemented by the Foreign Ministry. The Commerce Ministry is only looking at the economic angle, the political and strategic issues are important too and require a well thought-out response, the source added.
Meanwhile a statement of the Commerce Ministry said that Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan directed the Trade Commissioner of Pakistan in Brussels Omer Hameed to enhance diplomatic contacts with his counterparts especially with the representatives of countries in Northern Europe, which are traditionally in favor of trade liberalisation.
Commercial officers posted in Pakistani embassies across Europe will be issued directions to liaise with respective trade ministries of host countries in order to project Pakistan’s credentials and progress on trade and GSP plus front.
The minister said it is time for Pakistan to win over new friends and revitalise the old friendships in the European Union to safeguard Pakistan’s interests in the EU Parliament and Commission.
Pakistan’s exports to the United Kingdom under the GSP plus scheme in the European Union will not be affected immediately after the UK referendum. Pakistan’s exporters to the United Kingdom are urged to continue as before, he added.
United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union will be governed by Article 50 of EU Lisbon Treaty, which requires a notification from the withdrawing country. This notification has not been issued yet. After the said notification is issued, Article 50 envisages a minimum of two years before EU treaties and agreements cease to apply to the withdrawing country.
The minister also held a meeting with Ambassador-designate to France Moeen-ul-Haq and urged him to conduct proactive trade diplomacy in France. He asked him to prepare for a Design Expo in Paris in spring next year.
The minister said that instead of holding a regular trade exhibition, the Ministry of Commerce will showcase the designing prowess of Pakistani entrepreneurs in jewelry, furniture, fashion, handicrafts, sports and textile design in a modern Design Expo which will have a great appeal for the artistic taste of French buyers.
