Islamabad: Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday proposed a multi-pronged strategy, aligning the GSP as well as the 5Es framework to achieve export-led economic growth and secure a prosperous future for Pakistan.
“The GSP Plus program represents more than just trade preferences. It is a roadmap for sustainable development and good governance. By aligning it with the Five Principles framework, we can unleash the true potential of export-led growth, empower our citizens and secure a prosperous future.
The Minister was speaking as a guest speaker at a conference titled “Promoting Good Governance through Trade – Leveraging GSP+” organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
Addressing the gathering, Ahsan Iqbal called for seizing the opportunity to strengthen governance, build resilience and position Pakistan as a globally competitive economy. “Together we can ensure that trade becomes not only an engine of economic prosperity, but also a catalyst for equality, transparency and sustainability,” he added.
Despite the successes, he said there were still challenges, adding that weak enforcement of laws, low export diversification and environmental vulnerabilities needed immediate attention to maximize the benefits of GSP Plus and alignment with the Five Principles framework – Exports, e-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change. Energy, infrastructure, equality and empowerment.
Explaining his proposed strategy, the minister proposed establishing export diversification centers with incentives for green technologies and high-value products.
He called for the formation of a national compliance task force to oversee the implementation of the GSP system as well as address gaps in governance on a permanent and quarterly basis.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Iqbal directed the officials concerned to identify suitable sites for setting up model special economic zones and prepare a comprehensive concept paper for the purpose.
He issued these directions while chairing a meeting on the SEZ model and policy framework for relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan, after a detailed briefing by BOI officials.
He stressed the need to strengthen government-to-government cooperation with China, saying Pakistan would provide land for Chinese industries, while it would manage the infrastructure and marketing of these areas.
Ehsan Iqbal stressed the importance of industrial areas and said that single window facilities will be provided to the areas so that investors do not face any difficulties.
He also stated that any negligence in establishing the areas or providing facilities therein will not be tolerated.
The Planning Minister said that there will be regular meetings with Chinese companies every month to immediately address their problems if they arise.
He described the security of Chinese citizens as a top priority for the government and pledged not to allow enemies of Pakistan and development to make any impact in Pak-China relations.