All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has expressed concern over the expiry of generalised system of preference (GSP) status by European Union to Pakistan as a country working against narcotics till December 2004. Talking to Business Recorder here on Tuesday, sources said that despite opposition by India, European Union had given GSP status to Pakistan up to December 2004, which allowed duty-free entry of Pakistan's value-added textile products into European Union countries.
They said that if the current GSP facilities are not extended up to 2006, when EU member countries will introduce another system of GSP Plus, 12 percent duty will be imposed on Pakistan's textile products, in addition to existing 12 percent anti-dumping duty, which will badly affect the textile sector.
Pakistan exports made-ups, bed wear , towels and hosiery/knitwear items worth over $1 billion to EU countries.
Business Recorder has learnt that the government has already taken up this issue with the European Union and a positive response is expected.