LAHORE: The Ministry of Water and Power should ensure provision of affordable energy to the Textile Industry on priority basis to help the industry reap maximum benefits of the access to the EU markets after the GSP Plus status.
Addressing a meeting at APTMA House, Punjab Governor Ch Sarwar expressed the hope that the textile industry would utilize GSP Plus status to the optimal once the energy crisis was resolved and law and order situation and terrorism from Pakistan.
On the occasion, EU Committee on Overseas Development and Cooperation Coordinator Nirj Diva said that the EU Committee was planning providing grant for clean water project in Punjab. He informed that he had met the Punjab Chief Minister to explore ways for extending cooperation in education, health and other social sector projects.
Addressing the meeting, APTMA Chairman SM Tanveer said that Pakistan’s exports to the EU have increased by 29% during the period Jan to Sept 2014 following the grant of GSP Plus status by the EU. However, the real potential of the facility could not be materialised due to severe energy crisis since April 2014 onwards. There was surge in exports to EU during first three months followed by a continuous decline onwards till date, he added.
He appreciated the Governor Punjab for his special efforts, and personal interest to secure GSP+ for Pakistan. He also extended special thanks to Nirj Diva, Member of the European Parliament and others for supporting Pakistan for GSP+ status.
