Islamabad, 19 April 2024 (TDI): EU Ambassador Riina Kionka, calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss matters related to mutual concern.
The discussions focused on the EU’s support to help Pakistan carry out important reforms in various sectors and engage with the Global Gateway Strategy through the European Investment Bank.
Prime minister Shahbaz Sharif thanked the EU leaders for their congratulatory messages on his re-election and said he looked forward to working closely with the EU.
The EU is Pakistan’s second most important trading partner, accounting for over 14 percent of Pakistan’s total trade and absorbing 28 percent of Pakistan’s total exports.
Textiles and clothing make up the largest portion of Pakistan’s exports to the EU.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the continuous support of the European Union to Pakistan regarding the GSP Plus scheme,” a statement from the PM’s office said about his meeting with Kionka.
“The Prime Minister of Pakistan said that the European Union can play an important role in providing consultation and expertise for important reforms in various sectors in Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s GSP+ status is a special trade arrangement offered by the EU to developing economies in return for their commitment to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, environmental protection, and governance.
The current GSP framework came to an end in December 2023 but Members of the EU Parliament (MEPs) voted in October to extend the current rules on the scheme for another four years for developing countries, including Pakistan.
During his meeting with Kionka, Sharif expressed satisfaction with existing mechanisms for cooperation and Pakistan’s interest in engaging with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
Global Gateway Initiative
The Global Gateway Initiative is a worldwide strategy by the European Union to invest in infrastructure projects worldwide.
Also read: Pakistan, EU agree to further deepen bilateral relations
Under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission initiated the project.
Over the period 2021–2027, the EU will invest €300 billion.
The EU Ambassador briefed the PM on various cooperation initiatives, including an ongoing dialogue on migration and mobility issues between the two sides, as well as facilitating European businesses operating in Pakistan.
Moreover also discussed progress on the resumption of flights from Pakistan to EU countries.
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