Abbasi eyes another three years of GSP plus status

ISLAMABAD: Prime minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting, on Friday, to review the efforts for continuation of generalised system of preferences (GSP) plus status for Pakistan, beyond 2018, whereat he was informed that over the past five years Pakistan’s exports to European union (EU) registered 45 percent increase while value added textile products registered 88 percent increase; an official statement said.

According to detail, commerce division briefed the meeting in detail regarding Pakistan’s compliance with the requirements of GSP plus.

It was informed that periodical review report by the government of Pakistan has already been submitted and has been examined by the EU.

Commerce division further informed that positive outcome is expected after the examination of the periodical review and that the GSP plus status will obtain roll-over for another three years term.

Abbasi directed commerce division and relevant foreign missions abroad to maintain a focused approach towards ensuring continuation of GSP plus status and take all necessary measures to maintain the growth oriented trend.

The meeting was attended by commerce minister Pervaiz Malik, advisor to PM on finance Miftah Ismail and senior officials from commerce, foreign affairs, economic affairs, human rights and religious affairs divisions.