Karachi: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) have agreed in principle to converge their policy advocacy, skills development and awareness and research and development resources to enable Pakistan to continue to capitalise on its GSP+ status with European Union (EU) as new EU Parliament and EU Commission will be in place by June 2024 and there might be some review or policy changes in rules framework for Pakistan’s GSP+ status.

Fayyaz Magoon acting President FPCCI explained that Pakistan should remain on course on EU requirements on human rights, labour rights, environmental standards and good governance. These are principally four areas where Pakistan’s performance comes under review. Next monitoring report on Pakistan vis-à-vis GSP+ compliance will be issued in November 2024.

Malik Tahir Javed President of EFP highlighted that Federation is focused on industrial relations, skills development and labour laws under guiding principles and conventions of International Labour Organisation and playing role of bridge between government and employers from across all regions and sectors of Pakistan’s economy.

Syed NazarAli Secretary General of EFP briefed on National Skills Passport programme of government where skilled workers without educational diplomas and certifications are acknowledged and documented through this identity card type document.

Ravi Peiris senior Specialist on Employers’ Activities ILO stressed that FPCCI’s support is absolutely imperative in compliance on international labor conventions and growth of Pakistan’s exports as FPCCI represents entire business, industry and trade community of Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan is signatory of Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations and government and private sector shall collectively work towards their attainment.

Majyd Aziz former President of EFP mentioned that various chambers and associations are on board with EFP, nonetheless FPCCI is most important stakeholder of EFP programs from trade side for being apex body and, should nominate 3 members to EFP committee to liaison and conduct joint activities and programs in interest of national economy.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 25 2024

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