German envoy stresses on developing synergies for bilateral trade expansion

Lahore:  German ambassador Mr. Alfred Grannas on Monday stressed on developing synergies in bilateral trade expansion, mutual capacity building in textile sectors and bilateral exchange of business delegations to identify trade and investment options.

He visited All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Lahore office on Wednesday. He was accompanied by Ms Jenine Rohwer, First Secretary Economic & Political and Dr Sebastian Paust, Head of Development Cooperation.

Chairman APTMA North Mr Kamran Arshad welcomed him on the occasion along with other senior members of the Association. Former Chairman Mr Abdul Rahim Nasir, Mr Danish Monnoo, Mr Shahzad Ahmed Shiekh, Mr Haroon Ellahi, Mr Sufyan Akhtar, Mr Ahsan S. Waraich, Secretary General Mohammad Raza Baqir and Energy Advisor APTMA Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema were also present on the occasion.

The visiting envoy said the government of Pakistan should ensure implementation of GSP Plus compliances. He said there is also a need on part of Pakistani exporters to understand the supply chain regulations in Germany to increase exports.

According to him, the German Development Cooperation will set up a help desk in Pakistan. Chairman APTMA North Mr Kamran Arshad offered the premises of APTMA Lahore for the same with full logistic support. Regarding delay in issuance of Visas for Germany, the Ambassador explained in detail the procedure for obtaining business Visas. He assured that Visas for business purposes will be issued with two weeks time if the prescribed procedure is followed by the applicants.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman APTMA said EU's extension of GSP plus for another 10 years will bring enormous benefits to Pakistan economically and make improvements in human rights, labour rights, environments, good governance and transparency etc.

According to him, the €45 million Technical Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and Germany should focus on enhancing bilateral trade. He also underscored the need of mutual capacity building in the textile sectors and training on the new EU Digital Product Passport requirements besides orientation program on the new EU Green Deal regulations.

He also emphasized on developing a mechanism for prompt issuance of visas to APTMA members.

According to him, the GSP+ facility has allowed access to Pakistani exports to compete with its competitors such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc., making Pakistan eligible to export 78% of its 4 products duty free in EU.

He further pointed out that the facility has enhanced Pakistan’s exports to the EU by 73% and to Germany by 40% from 2013 to 2024.

He informed the visiting envoy that APTMA members are fully compliant of 27 conventions of GSP plus and making efforts for compliance of new conventions as well.

Textile mills have made great contribution towards clean environment and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and moving away from fossil fuels, amid the ongoing global energy crisis.

He said the industry has also focused on use of preferred fibres like organic, BCI cotton and recycled polyester and setting up effluent and water treatment plants, enabling Green Environment and Socially responsible industry for future cooperation with the Western world.

Former Chairman APTMA Mr Abdul Rahim Nasir, while calling the GSP Plus as a big plus for Pakistan, urged the visiting envoy to enhance cooperation in the field of biotechnology to support corporate farming in Pakistan.