Pakistan-EU Joint Commission have agreed to increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and EU member states along with strict implementation of various GSP+ conventions.
A virtual meeting of Pakistan-EU Joint Commission was held on June 16th earlier this week. The meeting was co-chaired by Noor Ahmed – Secretary of Economic Affairs Division (EAD), and Gunnar Wiegand – Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific in the European External Action Service ZXC (EEAS) and was attended by representatives of relevant Ministries of Government of Pakistan as well as from the European Commission, the Ambassador of the EU to Pakistan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the EU and observers from EU Member States also participated in the meeting.
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The meeting also acted as a platform for follow discussions of the EU-Pakistan Joint Readmission Committee, which was held on 24 February 2021.
Pak-EU Joint Commission agreed to enhance bilateral trade, including by addressing issues that are hampering trade and investment, improving the business climate, and Pakistan’s efforts towards full implementation of the 27 international conventions stipulated under the EU’s unilateral trade preferences scheme, the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
Pakistan also acknowledged GSP+ status as a mutually rewarding step and affirmed its full commitment to fulfil its obligations under the GSP+. Pakistan underlined the relevant measures and actions taken since September last year.
The forum mulled over socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and bilateral trade and economic activities and relations between Pakistan and European Union.
During the meeting, Pakistan accentuated that the EU is a valued partner of Pakistan, being home to a large Pakistani diaspora, its biggest trading partner and a source for investment, remittances and economic assistance. The EU and Pakistan reiterated their commitment for the full and effective implementation of the EU–Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP), signed in June 2019.
The Pakistani side also appreciated EU for its humanitarian assistance and cooperation pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine.
Addressing climate change issue, EU apprised Pakistan about the European Green Deal, connectivity and digitalization. In response Pakistan briefed about its various climate projects, including eco-system restoration, green stimulus and national electric vehicle policy.
Coming to democracy, governance, rule of law and human rights, both sides reiterated their commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion and belief (including concerns about anti-Muslim hatred), the rights of persons belonging to minorities, freedom of expression, women’s rights and children’s rights. Pakistan informed about developments concerning the Journalist Protection Bill, the Forced or Involuntary Disappearance Bill and the Anti-Torture Law.
The EU also praised the progress made by Pakistan in the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan and Pakistan’s commitment to continue the engagement with the FATF to address all the remaining issues.
The participants also discussed Afghan Peace Process and reassured their commitment and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
The EU commended the hosting of millions of Afghan refugees by Pakistan and offered its support assisting and promoting the safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.
Additionally, Pakistan also raised Kashmir issue at the forum, and highlighted its concerns regarding the human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian controlled part of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting concluded with the agreement to hold the next session of the Joint Commission in Islamabad in 2022.
Separately, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with Josep Borrell Fontelles – High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy along the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday (today).
During the meeting, FM Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to adhere to GSP+ related international conventions as the GSP+ status has contributed significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth and development.
