Pakistan can improve the current level of $4.2 billion exports to European Union by adopting international quality standards. This was stated by a two-member delegation of the 'Centre for Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries' (CBI) visiting Pakistan to find out impediments and formulate strategy for Pakistan's businessmen to enhance quality of the products to meet the international demand.
Sources told Business Recorder on Monday that Vincent Rouwmaat, Programme Co-ordinator and Peter R Portier, CBI expert, visited Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to seek co-operation of the apex trade body in implementing the objectives of CBI.
They said although EU is the largest trading partner and export destination of Pakistan with exports of $4.2 billion in the fiscal year 2005-06, there was still a huge potential for Pakistan's products in the EU markets, which has not been tapped to the desired level.
The visitors said that several Pakistani products could enter European markets, there was lack of presentation required by the international demands. Therefore, business community needs training and education to compete their products in international market.
FPCCI officials informed the delegates that the apex trade body attached greatest significance to the EU region and perceives it as one of the most potential regions for the country's exports, which should be a common thrust of both CBI and FPCCI.
The FPCCI offered support to CBI to harness the trade potential between Pakistan and EU countries. Through joint collaboration of CBI and FPCCI, exports from Pakistan can be promoted through following steps:
1. Holding at least five workshops in Pakistan to create awareness about EU potential for Pakistan.
2. Exchange of information in the form of 'country by commodity' and 'commodity by countries' to evaluate the market potential for Pakistani products in EU.
3. Participation of FPCCI staff in the training programmes undertaken by CBI.
4. Publication of CBI reports with addition of Pakistan Chapter by FPCCI due to cost-competitiveness in printing material in Pakistan.
5. Holding of match-making meetings between the businessmen of Pakistan and EU in the mutually interested areas.