FPCCI urges Govt to protect exports after EU-India FTA

To deliberate on the implications of the recently concluded EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for Pakistan’s exports and future trade prospects in the European Union, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), organized a meeting of the Pakistan–EU Business Forum of the FPCCI.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said in a statement that the European Union remains one of Pakistan’s most important export destinations – with bilateral trade exceeding US$ 12.6 billion annually. He stressed that the evolving global trade environment requires Pakistan to pursue timely policy reforms, and compliance with new EU regulatory requirements.

The meeting was chaired by Zubair Baweja, Head of the Pakistan–EU Business Forum of FPCCI – who emphasized that the Forum was established by FPCCI to strengthen Pakistan’s trade and economic relations with the European Union.

Addressing the participants virtually from Brussels, Omer Hameed, Economic Minister, Pakistan Mission to the European Union, highlighted the likely impact of the EU–India FTA on Pakistan’s exports. While noting that Pakistan will continue to benefit from the GSP+ scheme until the end of 2027.

Dr. Junaid Ahmed, Chief of Research, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), said that although the FTA would gradually reduce Pakistan’s tariff advantage over India, the greater challenge lies in improving structural competitiveness.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to continue regular consultations with all stakeholders and to formulate a comprehensive set of recommendations for submission to the Government of Pakistan to safeguard and enhance Pakistan’s trade and economic interests in the European market.