Karachi, 18 November 2021 (TDI): The third phase of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum was launched by the European Union (EU) delegation yesterday in Karachi. The Forum serves as the Union’s first-ever initiative to facilitate Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan.
According to the EU delegation’s statement released after the event, the inauguration ceremony in Karachi was a success. The delegation also had positive engagements with the government representatives, SMEs, and business owners in Pakistan.
The EU-Pakistan Business Forum
The European Union launched the Forum to help Pakistan diversify its sectors under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). The initiative also aims to boost bilateral ties of Pakistan with the EU.
Additionally, the Forum will also provide business opportunities in Pakistan, given which the EU and Pakistan would be able to collectively increase exports. Earlier, the EU Delegation launched two phases of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad and Lahore respectively.
First Phase of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum
The initial phase of the Business Forum was held in Islamabad on September 8, 2021. During the event, participants were informed about the benefits of the EU’s GSP+ scheme. The scheme provides two-thirds of tariff lines and duty-free access to the EU market.
The delegation also informed that after the removal of regulatory barriers by the EU Commission, the SMEs can now easily operate in the EU market.
A number of high officials and owners of local SMEs from four diverse sectors attended the event. These included Gems, Information Technology (IT), Jewellery and Mining, Handicrafts and Fashionwear, along with the Tourism sector.
Second Phase of EU-Pakistan Business Forum
The second phase of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum was launched in Lahore on October 13, 2021. Several government officials and EU member states attended the ceremony.
During the event, the EU representatives encouraged participants to full take advantage of the GSP+ benefits. The participating SMEs in Lahore belonged to different sectors, including auto parts, Fashion, Tourism, engineering, and sports.
Third Phase of EU-Pakistan Business Forum
The third phase of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum was launched yesterday in Karachi. Many high officials participated in the event. Ambassadors of Sweden, Denmark, and EU counselors from member states were also present at the launch event.
Moreover, the EU’s Ambassador to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara welcomed the presence of Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail, and Abdul Razak Dawood, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Advisor for Commerce and Investment, to the event.
She also noted that different Pakistani products are included in the GSP+ scheme by various SMEs. She further addressed that the diversity of products will allow Pakistani SMEs to effectively boost their trade.
Ambassador Kaminara also aspired to provide technical assistance and build the capacity of SMEs in Pakistan in collaboration with Pakistan’s government and the business community.
 Delegation yesterday in Karachi... (Learn more)){kind=link}