ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari underlining the need for allowing market access to the Pakistani manufacturers in the markets of the European Union countries said that until the Pakistan-European Union FTA process is completed, Pakistan needs to be given the interim GSP plus benefits as a country seriously impacted adversely by the war against militancy.
He expressed these views while talking to Mr. Albert Gerard (Bert) Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation of Netherlands, who called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday. The matters related to bilateral relations, economic cooperation, Pakistan-European Union Free Trade Agreement process, IDPs and FoDP were discussed during the meeting.
President Asif Ali Zardari appreciated Netherlands' support to Pakistan's institutionalized links with the European Union, Pak-EU FTA process and in the interim GSP plus benefits. The President said that we believe that our partners in the European Union can assist Pakistan by enabling the democratic government's efforts for the economic revival. He appreciated Netherlands assistance to the displaced people in the NWFP this year and during the 2005 earthquake. The President called for help in increasing the Pakistan's exports and thereby strengthening its economy as the economic dividend to the people who have lost great economic opportunities due to war on terror. He said that Pakistan is keen to have increased opportunities for trade with its partners rather than aid. President Zardari also said that Pakistan looks forward to benefit from Netherlands expertise and technology in the areas of water management and energy. He hoped that Netherlands would encourage leading Dutch multinationals to expand their presence in Pakistan and other companies would take benefit of attractive and investment friendly opportunities being offered in the country.
Mr. Albert Gerard (Bert) Koenders thanked the President for meeting the delegation and assured that Netherlands would continue its support to the democratic dispensation of Pakistan.
H.E. Mr. Joost Reintjes, Ambassador (designate), Ms. Joke Brandt, DG International Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Harry Van Dijk, Head of South Asia Department and other officials were also present during the meeting. Federal Minister for Finance Mr. Shoukat Tarin, Secretary General to the President Mr. Salman Faruqui, Foreign Secretary Mr. Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President, Farhatullah Babar were also present during the meeting.—Agencies