The European Union has said it has agreed with Pakistan to step up a dedicated dialogue in order to enhance the trade relationship, including the possibility of a free trade agreement. This was stated by Ambassador of Sweden in Pakistan Anna Karinenestrom at a function organised by the European Union missions in Pakistan in honour of Sweden Ambassador at the end of the EU Presidency of the Sweden.
The function was attended by a number of diplomats from the EU countries and a group of senior journalists. In her address, the Sweden Ambassador said the EU would work jointly with Pakistan towards further liberalisation of trade in goods and services with the aim to mutually enhance market access and converge on regulatory matters. This includes capacity building and technical and financial support, incorporating the existing resources for trade related technical assistance.
The EU would continue to assist Pakistan meet the EU sanitary and phyto-sanitary requirements for fishery and other products, she said, adding that the EU and Pakistan would explore additional co-operation in areas such as quality standards and intellectual property so as to further enhance the bilateral trade relationship.
She said safe, secure, affordable and sustainable energy supplies are key elements for economic recovery, sustainable growth and development in Pakistan and the EU would support Pakistan government with technical assistance and other expertise. The Swedish Ambassador added that priority will be given to renewable energy and energy efficiency to feed into the Energy Task Force of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan.
Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan Jan DE KOK said Pakistan has been demanding of trade and not aid but we have other priorities. "Free trade is possible but not tomorrow and both sides have to start dedicated dialogue to see where are difficulties and where are possibilities in this regard," he added.
He said the EU would explore how aspects of the EU's preferential tariff regime (GSP+) might be looked at in the context of the preparation of the next GSP Regulation, thereby allowing new beneficiaries, including possibly Pakistan, to take advantage of this scheme. He added that the EU would support for strengthening socio-economic development and strengthening of democracy as Pakistan has transformed from dictatorial government to democracy.