At a webinar organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Sheikh Sultan Rehman, Vice President, said, Pakistan must have same level of access to the UK market after BREXIT which it currently enjoys with EU. He said, UK plays a key role in economic and social development of Pakistan. At present, the balance of trade between Pakistan and UK is in favor of Pakistan. Trade is being conducted under EU GSP Plus scheme which will end for UK from January 1, 2021. He urged the Pakistani government to sign Bilateral Investment Treaty with UK.

Kamal Shahryar, GSP Plus Advisor, TDAP stated Pakistan and UK are negotiating for a similar facility that Pakistan enjoys under EU GSP Plus. He added that after BREXIT, border trade with EU will not take place for moving goods in EU member countries. Zakaria Usman, Former President, FPCCI emphasized on the need to finalize the agreement with UK as Pakistani exporters have made huge investment in textile sector in accordance to EU GSP plus requirements which should not be affected with BREXIT.

Asim Yousuf, Vice President, Pakistan UK Chamber of Commerce and Industry added there are huge opportunities for Pakistan’s export in agriculture, textile and food items to UK. In this context, there is a need of early formulation of Pakistan’s trade delegation to UK for getting new orders from UK.

Sheikh Muhammad Tariq, Chairman-Pakistan UK Business Council, FPCCI urged Pakistan to comply with standards and SPS measures as UK is importing 1.2 million ton of meat. He also underlined the need of developing Pakistani business center in UK as UK is establishing business hub wherein all the countries are establishing their offices.

Shariq Vohra underscored the need of research for enhancing exports to potentials market as our Pakistan export is stagnant for 10 years.