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Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle welcomes improved access to the EU for Pakistan exports
Today, 14 February, the World Trade Organization (WTO) approved an EU waiver request for trade preferences for Pakistan.
The following statement has been issued by a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office:
Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle welcomes today’s World Trade Organization decision to approve trade preferences for exports from Pakistan to the EU. This will contribute significantly to stability and economic development in Pakistan. Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle voiced strong support for these trade preferences both within the EU and internationally.
In reaction to the catastrophic flooding in Pakistan in 2010, the European Union had agreed on an extensive package of measures to support the country’s recovery. This includes temporary trade preferences for the export of certain Pakistan goods to the EU. The WTO’s waiver is needed to reconcile the measures with the EU’s obligations within the WTO framework.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has repeatedly thanked the EU, in particular Germany, for its support.
