ISLAMABAD: Pakistani exports to European Union during January and February this year have showed a growing trend owing to duty-free access to European markets.
Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir revealed this while informing about the statistics of trade. “Exports from Pakistan to the European Union in the first two months of implementation of GSP Plus have recorded a substantial increase over the comparative period of previous year,” said the Minister.
During the two months there has been 30.68 per cent increase in textile garments as compared to last year’s exports in January-February. The total exports of textile garments during the first two months of 2013 stood at $ 342 million while they jumped to $ 446.91 million during the same period this year with an incredible increase of $ 104.91 million.
The volume of exports of home textiles to EU increased to $ 274.47 million during the period showing a remarkable addition of 28.15 per cent over same period previous year.
The leather and carpets sectors were also successful in making a strong mark and enhanced their share in the European market after the grant of GSP Plus since 1st January 2014 as they managed an increase of 15.2 per cent and 12.79 per cent respectively.
Leather sector exported goods worth of $ 25.46 million in the period against $ 22.10 million in 2013. Similarly, carpet sector earned $ 9.88 million against $ 8.76 million of foreign exchange previous year.
The Commerce Minister said that the Government is working hard to enhance Pakistani exports to EU in the non-traditional sector as well. The Treaty Implementation Cell established on the directions of the Prime Minister shows Government’s earnest resolve to achieve maximum benefits out of such trade arrangements, the Minister said.
