Lahore:
EU Ambassador to Pakistan Andrullah Kaminara has stressed the need for product diversification and greater value-addition to harness the full potential of market access in countries under the GSP+ regime.
During a meeting with All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) President Syed Maz Mehmood and Secretary General Khurram Niaz Khan on Wednesday, the two sides discussed EU support for Pakistan in technical education, skill development, technical and vocational education and training, women Role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in entrepreneurship and economic development.
The ambassador discussed various ideas for providing assistance to freelancers in the IT sector, handicrafts and tourism with a focus on building linkages within the European Union to open up new markets for products.
APBF and EU agreed to work on women entrepreneurship, better labor laws, promotion of SME sector, freelancers IT resource among other projects. Kaminara was of the view that the European Union is the largest export market for Pakistani goods, as it accounts for about one-third of all Pakistani exports.
“The EU fully supports Pakistan’s efforts to address the socioeconomic effects of the coronavirus pandemic and better build for a more sustainable future,” the ambassador said.
He noted that the EU-Pakistan bilateral relationship received a major boost when the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) was signed in June 2019, to further enhance engagement between the two sides and address emerging global challenges.
The envoy noted that during 2014-2020, more than €600 million was given to Pakistan with a focus on rural development, education and vocational training, and human rights.
He said that EU can help Pakistan to expand its exports and uplift its industry through cooperation with APBF by starting joint ventures in various sectors. The ambassador suggested that Pakistan can make more progress by making best efforts for skilled workforce development and EU can also take some positive steps to support it.
Speaking on the occasion, APBF President said that EU countries have been the most important trading partner of Pakistan, accounting for about 33% of Pakistan’s total exports, which is encouraging, as trade figures with EU countries going up.
Published in on 25 Septemberth2020.
Like business on facebook, to follow @tribunebiz On Twitter to stay informed and join the conversation.
