KARACHI: Pakistan will have to meet 27 conventions on good governance if it wants to qualify for GSP plus for which the European Union (EU) has finalised the main framework, and its terms of reference have been defined.

This was stated by the consul-general of Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Tilo Klinner, on Friday in a meeting with members of Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

He further stated that since Pakistan is at the starting point of getting GSP plus, it should start preparing to qualify for the concession which is linked with 27 conventions.

The German envoy explained that every member of EU has its own commercial interest and there could be a difference of opinion that is why nothing can be guaranteed on individual basis as decisions are made in the EU parliament with consensus.

However, Dr Klinner clearly stated that Germany supports Pakistan for greater market access and pointed out that even now the balance of trade between the two countries is in favour of Pakistan.

He further stated that Pakistan is a young nation with majority of its population below 25 years of age and textile sector which is labour intensive can help employ these people.

He said that his country is ready to help Pakistan to overcome energy crisis and added that besides alternative, renewable and solar power, Germany is a major player in wind energy and Pakistan can acquire its services in this sector.

He said that a number of German companies are already operating in various fields in Pakistan and that his country always encouraged its stakeholders to trade with Pakistan.

The travel advisory, he said, to German nationals is issued only when some area is having unrest and we advise our people to contract consulate office otherwise Germany encourages its businessmen to travel to Pakistan.

He assured Prgmea to support its technical training institute, PRGTTI for imparting training to skilled and semi-skilled workers in Pakistan.

The proposed EU trade concession package of 75 items, he said, is in technical stage and opined that Pakistan would finally get the facility.

Central chairman of Prgmea, Shehzad Salim, said that Germany is the second largest importer of Pakistan’s clothing.

However, he said lately our exports are declining and sought German assistance in getting EU package and GSP plus due from January 2014.