'Lifeline of economy': FPCCI criticises negative remarks against Pakistan's GSP+ status

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Friday strongly condemned what its members described as a "negative propaganda campaign" against the country's status for the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) scheme, warning that no one would be allowed to conspire on such a sensitive issue. The statement came a day after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the sons of former prime minister Imran Khan of acting against Pakistan’s national and economic interests. He alleged that Kasim Khan had attempted to undermine Pakistan’s European Union GSP Plus trade status during a speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). In response, the PTI criticised the government for spreading what it called “venomous and misleading propaganda” and manufacturing false narratives to divert public attention from chronic issues and political victimisation. Read: Kasim urges UNHRC intervention to end Imran's persecution, detention immediately Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magoon said Pakistan’s exports to the European Union had increased by 108% over the past decade under the GSP+ scheme. He said the extension of GSP+ status in 2023 reflected Pakistan’s compliance with international laws, with both government institutions and the business community aligned with the EU. Pakistan, he added, had ensured implementation of 27 international conventions, including those related to human rights and labour laws. “We have won the battle of truth ... and now we must win the battle of economy,” he said, adding that the EU had become the largest global market for Pakistani products due to the GSP+ facility. Referring to recent national developments, Magoon said that just as the country had succeeded in last year's conflict against India, the government and business community must now jointly work towards strengthening the economy. He highlighted that duty-free access for textile, leather and surgical products would generate billions of dollars in foreign exchange and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Trade between Pakistan and European countries, he said, had grown from €6.9 billion in 2013 to over €12.2b. Describing GSP+ status as the “lifeline” of the economy, he said it had been secured through strict compliance with all required regulations and warned that any attempts to undermine it would be foiled. Also Read: IHC to hear £190m case against PTI founder, Bushra Bibi on March 31 The business community, he added, strongly condemned the ongoing "social media propaganda" regarding GSP+, reiterating that both the government and private sector were ensuring compliance with all requirements tied to the scheme. He further noted that Pakistan had secured an extension of the GSP+ status until 2027 in 2023, demonstrating adherence to all conditions. He urged the government to facilitate exporters to achieve the $100b export target by 2030 announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, adding that the business community would continue to support the government in this effort. Magoon stressed the need to reduce industrial costs to further enhance export volumes, calling for a cut in interest rates and electricity prices. He reaffirmed that FPCCI stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the government in this regard