33% increase in exports after GSP Plus status: NA told

ISLAMABAD:(APS)FEB 25,2016-The National Assembly was informed on Thursday that 33 percent increase has been made in Pakistan’s exports after gaining GSP Plus status.

Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan told the House during question hour that under GSP Plus status, ninety percent products of Pakistan has access to twenty-eight European Union countries at zero rated duty.

He said the government is making efforts to further exploit the status by diversifying its exports. He said Pakistan is also exploring opportunities of exports to east European countries.

Khurram Dastgir said through active diplomacy, government is trying to get better market access for the local businesses in international markets by concluding free trade agreements and preferential trade agreements with different countries.

Answering a question, the Minister said the government will soon launch E-Commerce framework under which the exporters can exhibit and sell their products online.

Khurram Dastgir informed the House that there is constant increase in Transit Trade with Afghanistan.

Minister for Commerce informed the House that 791 Pakistanis are behind the bars in Greece on different charges.

He said the Pakistani mission in Greece has requested the local authorities for updated information and consular access is also being provided to these prisoners.

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada told the House that at present 21 cricket stadiums and 25 hockey stadiums of domestic and international level are available in the country.

He said Pakistan Super League has given a good message to the world and efforts with coordination of media are going on to hold international tournaments in Pakistan.

On points of order raised by different members, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad informed the House that the government has decided to launch Pakistan Airways as an additional air travel facility for the passengers.

He said employees in the airways will be appointed on contract basis and the planes will be taken on dry lease.

He said the new airline will not affect the PIA operation.

Shaikh Aftab said the new airways will create an environment of competition.

The National Assembly today passed “The National University of Sciences and Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2016”.

The bill was moved by Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid. The house will now meet tomorrow at 10 a.m.