LAHORE: A European Union delegation from the office of generalised system of preferences (GSP) programme has visited All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) to review the benefits of the GSP plus facility in Pakistan.
The delegation, led by GSP Programme Director Marc Vanheukelen and acting EU Ambassador HE Stefano Gatto, also reviewed progress so far made on implementation of social standards related to labour and environment laws.
Aptma Punjab Chairman Sheikh Muhammad Akbar welcomed the delegation and stated that the textile exports have started showing progress in the EU market due to the GSP plus facility. “Textile exports have witnessed increase in apparel products by 24 percent in volume and 30 percent in value terms from January to December 2014,” he said.
However, he pointed out that the growth pattern does not commensurate with the potential of the industry due to the productivity constraints, particularly the energy. “Both the industry and the government are working on various solutions for the availability of energy at regionally competitive tariff,” he added. He said Aptma is also working on better cotton initiative with best practices covering lesser use of water and pesticides.
Speaking on the occasion, Marc Vanheukelen appreciated the efforts of Aptma for the compliance of the industry he explained that in January 2016, and every two years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the status of ratification of the relevant conventions.
