ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Engr. Khurram Dastgir has said GSP plus status has indeed strengthened Pakistan’s economy besides giving a great impetus to Pakistani exports to European markets.

He expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of a function held in honor of outgoing Ambassador of European Union Lars-Gunnar Wigemark. FPCCI President Muhammad Adress hosted the function. SM Munir Chief Executive Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), diplomats and representatives of business community attended the function.

The federal minister further said, GSP plus status for Pakistan could only be possible with the untiring support of the EU ambassador in Pakistan, who proved to be a friend indeed for Pakistan.

The minister called upon the business community to cash in on the GSP plus facility to the fullest. He said government on its part would do everything which it can to facilitate the business community.

Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark in his speech thanked the business community for hosting the reception adding Pakistan really deserved for the GSP plus status. He hoped the Pakistani businessmen would make full use of this facility.

Ambassador Lars, who spent quite an eventful tenure in Pakistan, said Pakistan is replete with a plethora of resources, some of which are still untapped. He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan’ relations with the neighboring counties including India and Bangladesh was a good sign as regional brotherhood definitely contributes to regional development.

He added criteria for GSP plus is very difficult that ranges from economic situation of a country to human rights record. EU fully supports democracy in Pakistan. Moreover regional integration is yet another area where the EU always lays a special emphasis.

Talking about the security situation of the country Ambassador Lars said the economic situation in the country is directly linked to security related issued there a greater emphasis has to be laid on improving the security situation because it would encourage more and more foreing investors to come to Pakistan.

SM Munir Chief Executive TDAP also spoke on the occasion and vowed to continue his struggle for the resolution of businessmen problems. He assured all the business people that his organization TDAP will also be there to help them at any time.s=DNA