ISLAMABAD - The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Monday started hectic lobbying for extension in GSP Plus status granted to Pakistan by the European Union in 2014.

FPCCI President Abdur Rauf Alam has asked all the vice presidents of the apex chamber and other businessmen to use their connections and forcefully present case of Pakistan for extension in the trade relaxations. In this regard, the FPCCI president hosted a dinner in the honour of ambassadors and high commissioners which was also attended by leaders of the business community from all over the country. Speaking to the diplomats, he said the GSP Plus scheme, which provided duty concessions on the export of many goods should be approved for the next term. “The government has tasked Pakistani embassies abroad to start lobbying for approval by the EU Parliament, which will be debated in coming months, while businessmen have also been asked to use their connections in the larger national interest,” he added.

In January 2014, the EU had granted the GSP Plus status to Pakistan, under which the country was provided duty-free access to the European markets for two years. Now, the facility will be extended for the next term on the basis of progress and achievements made over the past two years.

Alam expressed the hope that the EU Parliament would keep in view the overall situation before okaying the extension.

He pointed out that the ban lifted from death penalty was not part of the strings attached to the GSP Plus scheme as Pakistan was in a difficult situation fighting war on terror and offering sacrifices. “The countries that are opposing trade relaxations to Pakistan despite war on terror and natural disasters are not serving humanity,” he said, and added, “Brexit has increased challenges and opportunities, while success in war on terror is linked to economic development.”