Latest news with #GSPPlus
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
GSP Plus talks planned with EU, Senate informed
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal on Friday said Pakistan had, for the first time, developed trade agreements and institutional frameworks with the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Cambodia and South Korea, while upcoming visits to the European Union, Geneva and Brussels were planned to advance talks on the GSP Plus scheme and other trade matters. Responding to a calling attention notice during the Upper House session regarding duties on the import of over 300 tariff lines, including seafood, fruits, and vegetables, he said some tariffs were as high as 40 per cent, which had now been lowered to facilitate imports for value-added production and general consumption. The minister said that under the National Tariff Policy, duties on about 900 products would remain unchanged, while tariffs on 300 items — mostly not manufactured or available locally — had been reduced. He said the reductions would be implemented in phases — with some changes effective in one year, others over two to four years, and certain items in five years — allowing local industries time to adjust. Jam Kamal said governance reforms had been introduced in the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Export Development Fund (EDF), with a technical team and consultants now appointed to evaluate EDF's Rs 30 billion fund requests before board consideration. In the past, he said, large approvals were made without such technical scrutiny. The minister said key vacancies in the Ministry of Commerce, including Head of Research and Head of Compliance, had been filled after years. He said a comprehensive working plan for the National Export Development Board (NEDB) and relevant ministries, outlining sector-specific issues and timelines, had been completed and would be presented to the Prime Minister at the next board meeting. The minister said the National Tariff Board meets monthly, while the National Tariff Commission plays a vital role that still requires capacity enhancement. He added that in the past, proposals were approved without detailed review, but now every recommendation is backed by data on local production, imports, exports, raw material sources, and industrial consumption. Jam Kamal said the new approach aimed to balance the interests of importers and exporters while protecting local industry. He acknowledged that favouritism in the past had harmed medium-sized enterprises, with some sectors constrained by unnecessary tariff barriers. For the first time, he said, tariff rationalisation had been carried out — crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet. He said a steering committee headed by the finance minister, and comprising the ministers for agriculture, industries, and commerce, had been formed to resolve sectoral issues promptly, with regular meetings continuing since the budget. The government, he added, sought to develop an innovation-driven, competitive policy that prioritises small and medium enterprises while supporting large-scale industries. He said Pakistan had recently secured the region's most favourable tariff concessions from the United States without binding conditions — a major achievement for exports. Kamal said that while the Strategic Tariff Policy Framework (2021-25) was launched earlier, its implementation had lacked focus. After its completion in 2025, a new five-year framework would be introduced to set fresh goals and priorities. He said the NEDB, chaired by the Prime Minister and including federal ministers and private sector representatives, aimed to boost exports through sector-specific strategies.
Express Tribune
07-08-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Mills asked to comply with global conventions
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Emma Fan met with Pakistan's textile millers and discussed in detail the industry's performance, outlook for exports and ways and means for further increasing the volume and value of textile shipments. An ADB delegation, headed by Emma Fan and comprising Asad Aleem, Deputy Country Director, Khayyam Abbasi, Programmes Officer and Shaheryar Choudhry, Senior Investment Officer, held an intensive brainstorming session with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) management. The delegation asked the business community in general and textile exporters in particular to take immediate measures for compliance with all international conventions, especially with reference to sustainability, labour and human rights. It gave insightful information on the ADB's new Country Partnership Strategy for Pakistan as well as highlighted the key opportunities in different realms of economy and the challenges facing the region. Emma Fan pointed out that the ADB strategy outlines four priority areas, which include energising the private sector, optimising the public sector, enabling human resources, expanding connectivity and access and fostering resilience aimed at long-term economic growth. In the consultative session, the critical role of consistent business-friendly policies and broadening the export base to higher value-added textile exports were particularly highlighted. The ADB expressed strong interest in deepening collaboration with Aptma as part of its strategic road map for Pakistan's sustainable growth. Speaking on the occasion, Aptma Chairman Kamran Arshad gave an overview of Pakistan's textile industry, the major issues faced by it and the way forward in enhancing coordination with the ADB. He also discussed the $50 billion textile export vision over a period of five years through setting up 1,000 garment plants with plug-and-play facilities in the dedicated apparel parks. He sought the bank's assistance for developing the proposed parks, which would not only boost exports, but also generate employment opportunities for millions of workers, reduce poverty and boost foreign exchange reserves. Highlighting the export potential, Kamran Arshad said that Pakistan had registered an impressive growth in value-added textile sectors. More than 70% of Pakistan's exports consist of knitwear, garments, bed wear and towels. Value-added exports have risen sharply in the last decade, especially after the European Union's GSP Plus status.
Arab News
17-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan, EU renew GSP+ commitment, discuss counterterror cooperation, Middle East peace efforts
ISLAMABAD: Senior officials from Islamabad and the European Union on Thursday resolved to continue their engagement under the Generalized Scheme of Preference Plus (GSP+) framework, discussing counterterror collaboration and peace efforts in Gaza, Pakistan's foreign office said. Europe's GSP+ scheme grants beneficiary countries' exports duty-free access to the European market in exchange for voluntarily agreeing to implement 27 international core conventions, including those on human and civil rights. In October 2023, the EU unanimously voted to extend GSP+ status until 2027 for developing countries, including Pakistan. Olof Skoog, the deputy secretary general of the European External Action Service and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led the delegations from both sides, as they held the 10th Political Dialogue in Brussels on Thursday. 'The two sides reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework,' Pakistan's foreign office said. 'They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025.' The statement said both sides also discussed views on regional and global issues, stressing the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counterterrorism and counter-narcotics. Both delegations condemned all forms of 'terrorism,' the foreign office said. Brussels and Islamabad discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan as well, pushing for dialogue. 'Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements/treaties,' it added. The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East, where Israel has killed over 57,000 Palestinians in Gaza in military operations since October 2023. 'They agreed on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza,' the statement said. 'Both sides called for the resumption of a ceasefire, and expressed support for initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine in accordance with the two-state solution.' Islamabad considers EU a vital trading partner. Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of the GSP+ trade scheme in recent years, with its businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108 percent since the trade scheme was launched in 2014.
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Procurement rules: govt seeks Law Ministry's views on SIFC powers
ISLAMABAD: The government has sought the Law Ministry's opinion on whether the powers of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) take precedence over the Public Procurement Rules in the hiring of consulting firms, sources close to the Secretary of Commerce told Business Recorder. This move follows a summary submitted by the Ministry of Commerce seeking to hire M/s Haider Global BVBA, a lobbying firm, to assist in the extension of Pakistan's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus status with the European Union (EU). On June 17, 2025, MD (PPRA) Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi informed the Board that the Ministry of Commerce in a letter of June 12, 2025 had requested the Authority for exemption from application of Rules 20 & 21 of the Public Procurement Rules, 2004 and other applicable provisions of PPRA framework, for hiring the services of a lobbying firm in Europe, through direct contracting, in terms of Section 21 of the PPRA ordinance, 2002. The lobbying firm will help in the ongoing review and renewal of Pakistan's GSP Plus status. EU-Pakistan business forum in May: SIFC readying its strategy Adding background of the case, MoC explained that the current GSP Scheme was introduced by the European Union in 2012 through EU Regulation 978/ scheme was implemented on January 1, 2014, and initially intended to remain in effect for ten years, until December 31, 2023. The European Parliament has approved an amendment to the said EU Regulation, extending the validity of the existing GSP Regulation by four years, up to December 31, 2027, instead of December 31, 2023. The scheme provides zero duties on over 66% of EU tariff lines, and exports from Pakistan to the EU have increased from $ 4.6 billion in 2014 to $ 8.38 billion in 2024. Pakistan has undergone four biennial reviews of the GSP Plus, and the next review is now due, with a Monitoring Mission scheduled to visit Pakistan starting on June 22, 2025. However, the visit has been postponed due to the conflict in the Middle East and unpredictable travel logistics at that time. Now the Monitoring Mission is expected in November or December this year. According to the MoC, considering the significance of GSP Plus status for Pakistan's exports, the hiring of a lobbying firm is critical for the renewal and extension process. The Ministry highlighted that such a firm should: (i) possess expertise in EU law and conventions to support Pakistan in formulating appropriate legal responses; (ii) assist Pakistani businesses in adapting to evolving EU regulations affecting key sectors; and (iii) maintain access to experienced former EU policymakers who can provide insights on potential political and economic challen8es. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has enclosed the proposal and payment schedule from M/s Haider Global BVBA regarding the ongoing review and renewal of Pakistan's GSP plus status. The proposal was received from Pakistan's s Mission in Brussels. According to the proposal, the contract term will be three years, with a total payment of Euro 6 million (approximately Rs 2 billion) to be made as per the payment schedule. In view of the upcoming visit of the Monitoring Mission of the European Commission, the MoC is of the view that it is imperative that a lobbying firm, as proposed by the Pakistan Mission in Brussels, may be hired on an urgent basis to safeguard our national interest. MD (PPRA) further stated that the MoC, in this regard, submitted a summary to the Prime Minister, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finance Division, and SIFC seeking approval for hiring the services of a lobbying firm by relaxation of the relevant provisions of the PPRA Rules and other financial codal formalities. The SIFC on June 10, 2025 endorsed the request of the Ministry of Commerce and decided 'given the extreme time constraint and criticality of GSP for national economy, SIFC endorses the request of the Ministry of Commerce for exemption from relevant clause of PPRA rules to enable it to go for direct contracting with a firm which has the required expertise, experience and standing to fulfil task, price reasonability be worked out by the Ministry of Commerce.' Subsequently, the Prime Minister's Office in a letter of June 12,2025, directed the MoC that the matter be placed before the PPRA Board along with recommendations of SIFC for consideration and approval. 'Before the case is submitted for the orders of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Commerce shall place the case along-with the recommendation of SIFC for the consideration and approval of the PPRA Board and resubmit the summary accordingly for the order of the Prime Minister.' Secretary Commerce Division, Jawad Paul and the Additional Secretary Europe (MoFA) were present in the meeting to defend the case, while the Deputy Head of Mission, Pakistan's Mission in Brussels, attended the meeting via video link. Responding to a query by a Board member, regarding the urgency of the matter, Secretary Commerce explained that the review Monitoring Mission of European Commission will be visiting Pakistan to consider the status of Pakistan, therefore it is critical for continuation of GSP plus scheme that the firm is hired on immediate basis. The Chair/ Secretary Finance, Imdad Ullah Bosal pointed out that the PPRA Board could only recommend exemptions from application of the procurement Rules, and that the finalization and hiring of a lobbying firm was to be done by the Commerce Division as a procuring agency in this case. During the discussion, the Secretary of Commerce also highlighted the need for clarity regarding the recommendation of exemption from application of PPRA rules, both by the SIFC and PPRA Board, as it leads to duplication and consumes considerable time. He was of the view that referring such cases to the PPRA Board should not be required when SIFC had already recommended the case. Most Board members also expressed similar views on the issue and recommended adopting a consistent and standardized approach for handling cases endorsed by the SIFC for exemptions from the procurement Rules. One member opined that it is a question of law and clarification should be sought from the Law Division as to whether the PPRA Board should consider exemption from application of procurement rules, already recommended by SIFC under 10-F of Board of Investment Act 2023 'power to relax or exempt from regulatory compliance' or otherwise? Secretary Commerce emphasized that in line with the recommendations and endorsement of the SIFC and direction of PMO, PPRA Board should recommend the case to the Federal Government, for grant of exemption from operation of Rules 20 and 21 of PPRA Rules, 2024, and other applicable provisions of PPRA Framework for hiring of M/s Haider Global BVBA through direct contracting under Section 21 of PPR Ordinance. After a thorough discussion on the importance of the matter and legitimacy of the recommendations of the PPRA Board decided to seek opinion from the Ministry of Law &Justice on the legal question as to 'whether exemption recommended/endorsed under Section 10-F of BoI (Amendment) Act, 2023 by the SIFC is sufficient for grant of exemption by the Federal Cabinet or matter is required to be referred to PPRA Board again for consideration of exemption under Section 21 of PPRA Ordinance, 2OO2 in addition to the exemption recommended by SIFC ?' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
CM assures EU rights standards compliance
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has invited companies from the European Union states to invest in the education, information technology, green energy and health sectors in the province. Welcoming the EU Parliamentary Delegation for South Asia to discuss matters related to mutual interests, bilateral relations, trade, education and investment, she agreed to strengthen the relations for peace, development and common goals. The chief minister said on the occasion, "Pakistan values its reliable friendship with the European Union. The EU is not only Pakistan's trading partner but also a voice of stability in the world." She said the GSP Plus preferential trade scheme has greatly improved Pakistan's exports to the EU, especially in the textile sector." She highlighted, "We are taking steps to fulfill all EU requirements, including human rights and labour reforms." Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Punjab is the heart of Pakistan's economy, providing a conducive business environment for investment. We want to increase cooperation with the European Union in agriculture, energy, digital infrastructure and environmental projects." She said, "Pakistan's youth are talented and dynamic, training courses are being conducted to connect them to the global job market. I am happy that Pakistani students are among the top recipients of the Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the third year in a row." She underscored, "Pakistan is committed to regional and global peace." Vaccination "No child should be deprived of polio vaccine drops," said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while directing the deputy commissioners to take steps to make the anti-polio campaign effective in their districts. During a briefing, she directed the officials to review the union council-wise polio campaign on a daily basis. The chief minister directed all district administrations to ensure effective implementation of the polio vaccination micro-plans. She said, "The target of zero polio can be easily achieved with joint efforts. It is unacceptable for any child to be at risk of polio."
