Malala Yousafzai to highlight importance of EU-Pakistan trade

  • November 19, 2013, 8:22 pm
  • World News
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LONDON, Nov 19 (Online): Malala Yousafzai is set to meet MEP Sajjad Karim and highlight the importance of EU-Pakistan trade.
The teenage campaigner, who will arrive in Strasbourg on Wednesday to receive the EU Sakharov peace prize, has confirmed her attendance for the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan reception being hosted by its chairman, Sajjad Karim.
MEP Karim has used his position as chairman to spearhead growing relations between Pakistan and the EU. Last month he lobbied MEPs and voted in the European Parliament International Trade committee to approve the GSP+ trade scheme which allows duty free exports from Pakistan to the EU and could create 1 million new jobs. The EU is Pakistan's largest trading partner with textile and clothing products making more than 60% of Pakistan's exports.
Good relations between the EU and Pakistan have been burgeoning with humanitarian assistance and trade waivers being offered by the EU to help the country recover from the devastating floods of 2010. MEP Karim and his Friends of Pakistan group played a key role in ensuring the measures were approved in the European Parliament.
Speaking ahead of the reception in Strasbourg, he said:
“Since 2005, members of the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan group and I have lead on EU issues which have an impact on Pakistan and we are proud of the flourishing relationship between Pakistan and the EU.
“Malala will be attending the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan reception to call for action for greater trade links between our two economies and hammer home the point that Pakistan needs trade, not aid.”
Malala was awarded the Sakharov prize for her bravery in promoting women’s rights despite being gunned down by the Taliban. Malala continues to champion her cause despite renewed threats from the Taliban.

MEP Sajjad Karim narrowly escaped being shot by terrorists as he was trapped in the Mumbai hotel siege which took place in 2008.

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