Pakistan has officially raised concerns over the European Union’s recent withdrawal of tariff concessions on ethanol, describing the move as a significant ‘setback’ for its industry during a high-level meeting with the Ambassador of the Netherlands. The issue was a focal point in discussions centered on the broader EU-GSP+ framework and future trade relations.
The matter was brought to light by Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul in a meeting attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and the newly appointed Dutch Ambassador, Robert-Jan Siegert. Mr. Paul informed the envoy that the relevant industry association has already appealed the decision and urged for a reconsideration of their plea.
While addressing the EU trade relationship, the Commerce Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations under the mutually beneficial GSP+ scheme. He also presented Pakistan’s position on the continuing Geographical Indication (GI) dispute over Basmati rice, arguing that historical and literary records do not substantiate India’s claim to exclusive rights.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the substantial untapped potential in bilateral trade, particularly in agricultural and food products. He pointed to Pakistan’s rice sector as a key export area with room for considerable growth through improvements in productivity and quality.
The minister also underscored the immense promise of Pakistan’s services sector, suggesting that the nation’s large youth population could enable service exports to quickly surpass the value of goods exports. In this context, he appreciated the role of the Netherlands-based company Jazz Telecom in promoting digital financial inclusion across rural Pakistan.
On the investment front, Ambassador Siegert acknowledged that Dutch companies had previously encountered challenges with the repatriation of dividends but noted that Pakistani authorities had successfully resolved the issue. He expressed confidence that the country’s improving macroeconomic conditions would bolster investor sentiment.
Looking ahead, Minister Jam Kamal sought Dutch technological support to expand Pakistan’s dairy and meat sectors. The ambassador assured his country’s full cooperation, mentioning that innovative projects, such as drone-assisted water management, could significantly benefit Pakistan’s agricultural landscape.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing a strong commitment to strengthening economic ties and exploring new avenues for partnership and cooperation.