LAHORE
European Union’s (EU) envoy to Pakistan Dr. Rina Kionka said Monday she was ‘overjoyed’ with the announcement that Pakistan is out of the FATF Grey List.
Speaking at a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), she said the successive Pakistani governments have put in lot of efforts in this achievement. She said that EU-Pakistan relations have a strategic engagement which covers all the areas including counter terrorism, trade, climate change, GSP Plus Status and various others.
The ambassador said 10-year period of GSP Plus is going to end and a mission is preparing 4th and final report of the last 10-year which will be discussed in Brussels and EU Parliament. These two bodies will decide that which country is eligible and which is not for GSP Plus Status.
Kionka said that Pakistan will have to re-apply for the GSP Plus Status and EU will inform within next 4 to 5 months. She said that during this period of application, Pakistan will be enjoying all facilities under GSP Plus Status.
“The floods played a havoc and it is a difficult time for Pakistan” She said adding that EU members countries have extended assistance in this regard.
She said that EU commissioners are distributing aid in Sindh and other flood-affected areas. “The assistance will be upgraded with the passage of time”, she added.
She said that Pakistan needs to develop infrastructure in order to curtail the loss if catastrophe-like situation born in future.
On this occasion, LCCI President Kashif Anwar extended deepest gratitude to the European Union for expressing solidarity with the people of Pakistan affected by the worst floods and extending financial assistance of 123 Million Euros as well as in-kind assistance for flood relief efforts. He also appreciated the EU’s commitment to address the climate change related challenges jointly.
