EU Trade With Pakistan
Strasbourg, 22nd September 2010
Speaking this morning in a debate with Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, Timothy called for a permanent new trading relationship between the EU and Pakistan after EU heads of government last week agreed time-limited reductions in trade barriers.
Timothy's comments received a positive response from Maroš Šefčovič, vice-President of the European Commission, who said:
"Our role... was only the first steps in how to help Pakistan. We have to combine the humanitarian aid with improving of trade access of Pakistani products to the European market. We will take measures that we can take as quickly as possible which have to be compatible with WTO rules. But we are also looking at ways to evaluate the Pakistani eligibility to GSP+ for 2014, which would be a measure of our long-term which will help Pakistani's speedy and successful recovery."
Timothy delivered a speech that will put pressure on the Commission to stand firm on their commitment to a robust trade partnership with Pakistan, in order to help the country re-establish itself after the floods. He said:
"This morning I want to draw the attention of this House to the Council's Declaration on Pakistan, a fellow Commonwealth partner of three of the European Union's member states and a strategic ally of the Union.
"We welcome the progress that is now being made to provide emergency aid for Pakistan and we are pleased that the Council agreed that a comprehensive package of measures for Pakistan's recovery and future development is required. The long-term future of the developing world rests on the ability of each nation to create a robust, dynamic, trading economy.
"I believe the intention to grant to Pakistan increased market access through the immediate reduction of duties on key imports to the EU is an important step, even though I regret that the policy will need to be time-limited rather than becoming the rule.
"Nonetheless the call to establish a major new trade partnership between Europe and Pakistan was a bold proposal by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron which has been pursued with determination by the Coalition's Trade Minister, Ed Davey.
"I fear though that the need to take into account 'industrial sensitivities', referred to in the Declaration, will turn a dramatic initiative into a timid half-measure. Given the plight of the people of Pakistan such a betrayal would be a disgrace. We will therefore be watching closely to ensure that the ambition of the declaration is not thwarted by selfish protectionism."
