Musharraf urges greater market access in EU

ISLAMABAD : President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday urging greater market access for Pakistani goods in the European Union through preferential trade arrangements (PTA) said it would help country alleviate poverty.President Musharraf said this would enable Pakistan maintain the momentum of its economic growth and help in poverty alleviation and creating employment, which had a direct bearing on the security situation in the country.
Talking to European Union’s High Representative on Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, the President stressed the importance of having a PTA that includes Pakistan’s proposals for a free trade agreement with the EU.
Solana said the European Union wanted to establish a long term relationship with Pakistan based on mutual interest and respect. He said the EU was aware of Pakistan’s economic situation and the need for greater market access which was being considered.
The President underlined the importance Pakistan attached to its relationship with the European Union in diverse fields.
Solana said his visit to Pakistan was reflective of importance European Union attached to Pakistan, particularly in terms of its socio-economic development and its role in the stabilization of Afghanistan and in regional peace and security.
Solana also congratulated the President on the February general election in Pakistan and on the transition to democracy in the country.
He said the election had been fair, transparent and peaceful and had resulted in a new dispensation in accordance with the wishes of the people of Pakistan.
The President underlined government’s multi pronged strategy in confronting terrorism and extremism that includes political, economic and military strategies.
He also apprised Solana of measures taken by Pakistan on the Afghanistan border which has resulted in considerably reducing infiltration into Afghanistan.
Solana agreed with Pakistan’s multi pronged approach in confronting extremism and terrorism and said that it needs to be adopted on either side of the border.
Solana expressed best wishes for Pakistan’s stability and prosperity and solidarity with the people and leadership of Pakistan.