Pak to continue GSP plus benefit, look beyond textile sector

Pakistani government and the business community to improve the export scenario to EU need to look beyond the textile and leather sectors, invest in other areas, said European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan Jean Francois Cautain while talking to The Express Tribune.

Cautain emphasised on breaking away from past trade stereotypes and explore opportunities in other sectors besides textile and leather, in a bid to take advantage of the GSP Plus scheme which came into effect from January 2014, Pakistan gained duty-free access to the EU on certain products.

Many saw it as an opportunity for the country to increase exports to the EU, but two years later, revenue receipts have barely crawled up. Analysts have blamed various factors behind the sub-par performance, including the economic slowdown in Europe, low quality of exports and overdependence on textile.

With eight more years to go under the GSP Plus status, it is high time Pakistan develops its value added sectors, said the EU envoy. This can be done in shape of joint-ventures between the government and the local business community; where they can look for potential sectors and make investments in infrastructure development.

During 2014-15, textile exports registered a decline of $1.21 billion in value. Furthermore, in the first five months of 2015-16, exports slid by another $1.37 billion. This drop has raised questions over Pakistan’s ability to take advantage of the status.

There is no doubt that consumer spending in Europe is not at an all-time high, mainly due to the on-going crisis in the eurozone; and this has also affected Pakistani exports.

In 2014, global exports to the EU increased by 20%, but Pakistan’s share remained stagnant. A similar pattern has occurred in 2015.Currency fluctuations play some part and they were unable to achieve what they had hoped, Cautain said.

But it is not the instrument to blame; there are other factors too, which they have to work on together for increased trade. But some issues are out of control and these need to be tackled by the Pakistani government.

Cautain added that Pakistan’s energy crisis was a huge impediment in the way of the country’s textile growth. Government should ensure this is resolved swiftly.

The EU was in the process of releasing its first post-GSP plus review report. The report will look at Pakistan’s performance in terms of implementing the 27 EU conventions. However, the continued benefit of GSP Plus status depends on the country’s compliance to international conventions.