A delegation of the European Union trade office of generalised system of preferences (GSP) programme reviewed the benefits of GSP plus facility to Pakistan and the progress made so far on implementation of social standards related to labour and environment laws during a recent visit to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, according to media reports in Pakistan.

The director DG trade office GSP programme Marc Vanheukelen led the delegation along with the acting EU Ambassador Stefano Gatto. APTMA Punjab chairman Sheikh Muhammad Akbar said that the textile in volume and exports have started showing progress in the EU market due to the GSP plus facility.

“Textile exports have witnessed increase in apparel products by 24 percent in volume and 30 per cent in value terms from January to December 2014,” he said.

However, he pointed out that the growth pattern does not commensurate with the potential of the industry due to the productivity constraints, particularly the energy.

“Both the industry and the government are working on various solutions for the availability of energy at regionally competitive tariff,” he added.

He said APTMA is also working on better cotton initiative with best practices covering lesser use of water and pesticides.

Marc Vanheukelen appreciated the efforts of APTMA for the compliance of the industry. He explained that in January 2016, and every two years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the status of ratification of the relevant conventions.

He said that the main focus is on implementation of human rights including labour right, child labour, women right on floor level, gender balances, OHAS standards, and unionisation.