ISLAMABAD: The delegation of the European Union (EU) to Pakistan is launching the second phase of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum on October 13, 2021 in Lahore to widen bilateral trade opportunities for EU and Pakistani businesses.

After the first programme in Islamabad on September 8, 2021, the second chapter of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in Lahore is expected to be attended by the representatives of local SMEs from key sectors including: Rice, Fruits and Dairy, Sports and Surgical Goods, Fans, Auto Parts, Light Engineering, Hosiery, Garments and Value Added Textiles and Leather.

During the Lahore session, the participants will be informed about the European Union's GSP+ Scheme and ways to benefit from the scheme. GSP+ provides two thirds of tariff lines duty-free access to the EU market with the rest on preferential duties. In subsequent meetings of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum later this year, more sectors including the agricultural and auto-parts manufacturers will be included.

Ambassador of the EU to Pakistan Mrs Androulla Kaminara said, "We are coming to Lahore on 13 October, with the second episode of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum, with the confidence that it will widen opportunities - especially for the small and medium enterprises - and enable them to reap full benefits from the EU granted GSP+ concessions by developing contacts in the EU market."

After the first and second parts of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad and Lahore, respectively, the next final programme will take place in Karachi later this year.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021