KARACHI: Businessmen Panel Progressive (BMPP) Chairman and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon has termed the recently finalized free trade agreement between India and the European Union a “serious challenge” to Pakistan’s export base.
In a statement, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said that after facing defeat on the battlefield, India has now “opened an economic front” by signing trade deals with multiple countries, including the EU. He cautioned that the agreement could erode Pakistan’s competitive edge in European markets.
Despite Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, which allows duty-free access for nearly 80 percent of its exports to the EU, the country’s textile exports stand at $6.2 billion, only marginally ahead of India’s $5.6 billion exports despite India facing a 12 percent tariff. “Once India secures zero-rated access under the EU deal, Pakistan’s advantage will vanish, and our exports could suffer a severe blow,” he warned.
Mr. Magoon stressed that Pakistan risks losing its foothold in the European market if urgent corrective measures are not taken. “Once a market is lost, regaining entry is extremely difficult,” he said, urging the government to act decisively.
He called for immediate steps including reducing electricity tariffs to 9 cents per unit, simplifying the tax regime, and offering incentives to exporters. “The government must declare an export emergency and adopt industry-friendly policies to safeguard Pakistan’s economic interests,” he emphasized.
Drawing a parallel with military success, Mr. Magoon remarked: “Just as the armed forces secured victory on the battlefield, the business community now needs government support to win this economic war.”
