ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports to France witnessed an increase of 10.7 per cent in the year 2015 from a year ago under the European Union GSP+ scheme.

In absolute terms, the export proceeds to France increased to €768.37 million in the year 2015 from €694.55m over the corresponding calendar year. However, the same export increase was not reflected in US dollar term.

In a written reply to a question by MNA Ms Khalida Mansoor, Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan listed several reasons for the decline in exports in dollar terms. One of the reasons was the depreciation of Euro vis-à-vis US dollar in the aftermath of sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone.

France was the seventh major export destination for Pakistani exports in the single market of European Union in 2015-16. The major items of exports to France include made-up articles of textile materials, articles of apparel and clothing, knitwear, articles and apparel other then textile materials, hosiery, baby carriages sports good etc.

Mr Dastgir said increase in exports of Pakistan to France is a consequence of aggressive export marketing strategy of government. He said the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan has participated in four exhibitions in France as part of increasing exports.

He added that the Pak-France Business Council, which was established by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers Of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), also actively promotes and strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries. Business community of the two countries exchange market intelligence.

The minister further said the FPCCI has also proposed to the French side through diplomatic channels for the creation of Pakistan-France Joint Business Council.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2016