The European Union (EU) has been supporting sustainable and green inclusive growth in Pakistan through its project titled ‘International Labour and Environmental Standards Application in Pakistan’s SMEs (ILES)’ which is being jointly implemented by WWF-Pakistan and International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2016.
Each year the EU provides €100 million to Pakistan in grants for development and strengthening cooperation.
Speaking at a seminar highlighting green practices in Pakistan’s industrial sector, Dr. Stephen Langrell, Head of Rural Development and Economic Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Pakistan said the impact of the GSP+ status has been positive, with exports to the EU increasing by 82%.
However, the GSP+ status for Pakistan is set to be revised soon, and would demand compliance with 32 core international conventions, which were previously 27.
Therefore, the reporting mechanisms for SDG-12 and MEAs by WWF-Pakistan are very timely and useful, which could improve Pakistan’s reporting at the international level. He also added that it may provide opportunities for new ideas regarding sustainability and circularity which could improve the overall profile of Pakistan’s industrial sector.
Mohammad Saeed Ashraf Siddiqi, Director General Ministry of Climate Change, fully endorsed the environmental component of the ILES program which promotes compliance with the environmental standards. He also stressed the need for promoting resource efficiency through dashboards, calling for collaborative approaches and joint efforts by all public and private sector stakeholders.
Dr. Masood Arshad, Senior Director Footprint, WWF-Pakistan added that WWF-Pakistan has been working for the conservation of natural resources and pollution reduction in Pakistan’s textile and leather sectors.
