KARACHI - The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the Indian government to support Pakistan get GSP Plus status in the European Union, a statement said on Wednesday.
Junaid Esmail Makda, Vice President, KCCI, requested this at a meeting with Shrimati Rita Menon, IAS, Secretary Textile, Government of India, during a visit of the KCCI delegation to New Delhi recently, it said.
Makda held detailed discussion with the secretary textiles on possible cooperation of Indo-Pak textile sector.
The KCCI official said that due to flood across the country the economy had faced slowdown as crops were destroyed.
“In the next session, India may support Pakistan as the matter was in the EU parliament and after some changes it will likely be approved,” he said.
He gave a food for thought to the Indian secretary textiles that for cotton, the two countries should have some understanding.
Last year, cotton was sold and purchased between the two countries and this year the two countries are expecting bumper cotton crops, said Makda.
The KCCI vice president appreciated the initiatives taken by the Indian Textile Ministry to boost exports.
He emphasised to narrow down misunderstandings between the two countries and promote trade, particularly in the textile and allied sectors.
Pakistani exports to India stood at $268.33 million during 2009/10, whereas imports from India were $1,944 million.
He highlighted the potential trading and import of raw materials and textile machinery from India.
Allowing two-way trade of BT cotton and textile machinery and raw materials will have a major impact in enhancing bilateral trade, he said.
Menon welcomed the KCCI delegation at the ministry. She highly appreciated the participation of the KCCI delegation in the 47th India International Garments Fair Exhibition.
Several fairs and exhibitions were held annually and the Textile Ministry is looking after the sectors of textile, cotton, jute, synthetic, technical textile, wool, lawn, handicrafts, fashion education, textile education, etc, with diversified responsibilities, she said.
Every year, there were two fairs for garments, two fairs for gifts (handicrafts), two fairs for carpet, one jewellery and furniture fair, as the Textile Ministry had several divisions and separate export promotion council for each sector, Menon said.
The News International - Copyright @ 2010-2011.
