Minister for Defence Engineer Khurram Dastgir Wednesday called on Permanent Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), General Mikhail Kostarakos. During the meeting, both the sides discussed issues of mutual interest and agreed to enhance bilateral relations.
A four-member parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, known as European Union (EU) Friendship Group, headed by Minister for Defence Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan met lawmakers and policymakers at the European Parliament in Brussels. The delegation consisted of members of the Parliament, including Dr Fehmida Mirza, Shibli Faraz and Sirajul Haq.
During the course of meeting, the delegation said that the relations between Pakistan and the European countries have further strengthened after GSP Plus scheme. The delegation also gave an overview of the economic uplift and investment opportunities that have been created in Pakistan in wake of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The delegation further informed the committee that Pakistan has always preferred trade over aid as means for development, and expansion of trade between Pakistan and European countries over the past four years, especially after earning GSP Plus status, clearly manifests this approach. The delegation also briefed about the government's policies towards improving the economy of Pakistan. Furthermore, the delegation said that the GSP Plus status provided the necessary window for strengthening Pakistan's economy. "With increased energy supply from the projects undertaken by the government in the past four years and supplemented by the energy projects envisaged under CPEC, Pakistan would be able to fully utilize the potential of GSP Plus facility," Dastgir said, adding this would also help diversify Pakistan's production base and yield positive dividends for its people.