Commerce Minister visits EU headquarters in Brussels

ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP): Federal Minister for Commerce, Engr. Khurram
Dastgir Khan on Friday met with European Commissioner for Trade, Ms. Cecilia Malmstrome, the focal person on reports for review of GSP Plus.
Federal Minister for Commerce, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan and Special
Assistant to the Prime Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Ashtar Ausaf Ali also visited Strasbourg in France, the seat of European Parliament, said a statement issued by Ministry of Commerce.
The visit came at a time when the European Commission is
preparing a report on the evaluation of GSP Plus and its review is
scheduled in January next year.
During his visit, the Minister held meeting with the
Members of European Parliament (MEP) and briefed them about success
of GSP Plus in Pakistan and the positive role it played in
sustaining Pakistan’s exports during shrinking international trade.
He apprised the European Law Makers in detail of the
measures taken by the Government of Pakistan in fulfilling its
international obligations and the implementation of twenty seven
Conventions of United Nations.
He also informed them about the creation of Treaty
Implementation Cell under the direct supervision of the Prime
Minister of Pakistan.
The Minister also briefed the MEPs in detail about the ongoing
operation Zarb-e-Azb and other security operations conducted in the
turbulent parts of the country.
The Minister said that there is sense of relief and calm all
across the country as the security situations is improving with
every passing day resulting in increasing economic stability.
During the visit, the Minister held meeting with several
members of European Parliament including Bernd Lange, Chair of
the Committee on International Trade (INTA), David Martin,
Coordinator INTA, Christopher Fjellner, Head of GSP Plus
Monitoring Committee, Elmar Brok, Chair of Committee on Foreign
Affairs, Ms. Jean Lambert, Chair of Delegation for Relations with
South Asia and Peter Van Dalen, Co-President of European
Parliament Inter-Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief and
Religious Tolerance.
President of Pakistan Friendship Group Sajjad Karim and
Afzal Khan, Member of European Parliament also hosted events in
which the Minister had extensive discussions with the Members of
European Parliament.
The MEPs appreciated Pakistan’s role in war on terror and
acknowledged the sacrifices made by its people.
They pledged to continue their support for strengthening
democracy in Pakistan and economic development of the country.