Federal Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan on Friday met with European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrome, the focal person on reports for review of GSP Plus. Federal Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Ashtar Ausaf Ali also visited Strasbourg in France, the seat of European Parliament, said a statement issued by Ministry of Commerce.
The visit came at a time when the European Commission is preparing a report on the evaluation of GSP Plus and its review is scheduled in January next year.
During his visit, the Minister held meeting with the Members of European Parliament (MEP) and briefed them about success of GSP Plus in Pakistan and the positive role it played in sustaining Pakistan's exports during shrinking international trade.
He apprised the European Lawmakers in detail of the measures taken by the Government of Pakistan in fulfilling its international obligations and the implementation of twenty seven Conventions of United Nations.
He also informed them about the creation of Treaty Implementation Cell under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The Minister also briefed the MEPs in detail about the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb and other security operations conducted in the turbulent parts of the country.
The Minister said there was sense of relief and calm all across the country as the security situations was improving with every passing day resulting in increasing economic stability.
During the visit, the Minister held meeting with several members of European Parliament including Bernd Lange, Chair of the Committee on International Trade (INTA), David Martin, Co-ordinator INTA, Christopher Fjellner, Head of GSP Plus Monitoring Committee, Elmar Brok, Chair of Committee on Foreign Affairs, Jean Lambert, Chair of Delegation for Relations with South Asia and Peter Van Dalen, Co-President of European Parliament Inter-Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance.
President of Pakistan Friendship Group Sajjad Karim and Afzal Khan, Member of European Parliament also hosted events in which the Minister had extensive discussions with the Members of European Parliament.
The MEPs appreciated Pakistan's role in war on terror and acknowledged the sacrifices made by its people.
They pledged to continue their support for strengthening democracy in Pakistan and economic development of the country.