Exports to EU Rise By 29 percent after GSP Plus status:

Exports to EU rise by 29 percent after GSP Plus status: APTMA chief
Chairman APTMA

S M Tanveer has said that Pakistan’s exports to the EU, have increased by 29% during the period January to September 2014 after the opportunity of GSP+ from the EU. However, he said, 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 the first three months followed by a continuous decline onwards till date, he added.

He was speaking on the visit of Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar and Member of the European Parliament, Co-ordinator of the EU Committee on Overseas Development and Co-operation Nirj Diva at the APTMA Punjab office. Group leader APTMA Gohar Ejaz, Chairman APTMA Punjab Seth Mohammad Akbar, Vice Chairman APTMA Wisal Monnoo and other office bearers were also present on the occasion.

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. The APTMA Chairman said the industry is presently facing severe challenges of energy availability, energy affordability, and high cost of doing business. It is unfortunate that cost of energy for Textile Industry is far more expensive at around 16 cents/ kWh as compared to the Textile Industry in the region at 7-9 cents/kWh. This is a huge challenge for our industry to compete in the Industrial Marketplace. However, the APTMA is confident of overcoming these challenges.

According to him, the APTMA has undertaken a number of initiatives, to keep the Textile Industry at par with global standards, and expectations. The latest initiatives include setting up of a Sustainable Production Centre, for energy efficiency, renewable energy and environment besides ensuring Corporate Social Responsibility, and water conservation.

He said APTMA is also deeply committed to the founding principles of European Conservatives and Reformists Group, which includes free enterprise, free and fair trade, minimal regulations, lower taxation & sustainable energy.

Group leader APTMA Gohar Ejaz expressed his gratitude to both the Governor Punjab and the visiting envoy from the EU Parliament and demanded the government of confer highest civil award on the Governor Punjab for his matchless efforts in securing GSP plus from the EU.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor Punjab expressed the hope that the textile industry would avail full potential of the GSP + status with the end of energy problems, law and order situation and terrorism from Pakistan.