GSP + Compliance critical for sustainable economic growth

Lahore, May 20: A consultation on the GSP + regime was conducted by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), at their offices on Friday, May 20^th.  The consultation commenced with opening remarks by I.A. Rehman, Secretary General HRCP. An overview of the GSP+ regimes and standards was provided by Professor Zahid Riaz and Dr. Qais Aslam.  Governmental representation was provided through the Trade Development Authority (TDA); businesses through various chambers and APTMA; and various labour leaders presented the worker’s perspective.

Out of the 27 conventions under GSP+, not all directed at trade, Pakistan seems to be lagging significantly.  With the upcoming periodic review, the government needs to seriously consider its position.   The critical areas which need to be addressed are:

An intuitive understanding by all stakeholders, businesses, government and workers, the importance of GSP+ regime in driving sustainable economic growth.

Focused efforts by the government in implementing the underlying conventions to GSP+, of which Pakistan signatory to most, in addition to existing laws, especially those connected with trade.

Despite the textile sector being the main driver of exports currently, other sectors falling under the GSP+ need to be developed as alternate export hubs.

The underlying regulatory and taxation mechanism for the industry, which encourages industry to operate on an informal basis, needs to be revisited by the government.

The applicable legal anomalies, specifically pre-existing stamp papers should be registered and those unregistered declared null and void.

Trade unions activity needs to be encouraged in all industry to ensure protection of worker’s rights.

The overall declining exports situation and adverse trade balance needs rectification.

1. A. Rehman

Secretary-General

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Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)

107-Tipu Block, New Garden Town, Lahore – 54600

Phone: (92-42) 35845969 Fax: (92-42) 35883582

eMail: hrcp@hrcp-web.org

Category: English