Environmental standards prerequisite to maintain GSP Plus | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Environmental standards prerequisite to maintain GSP Plus

Pakistan Press Foundation

LAHORE – Secretary Environment Iqbal Chohan Saturday said that the environmental issues were of prime importance therefore the industrialists particularly the export-oriented industry should tackle them on priority in the wake of GSP Plus status granted to Pakistan by European Union.
He said that the Punjab government would extend every possible help to the industrial sector in this regard.

Speaking at a meeting of LCCI, he said that compliance to environmental standards was a prerequisite to do business with the developed world therefore the Environment Department was working tirelessly to educate the business community on these standards.

The Secretary said that the government was encouraging the establishment of low-cost water treatment plants and plants to control the pollution issues.
He suggested to form a committee for establishment of water treatment plants in the industrial estates through public-private partnership.

He urged the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to hold seminars and workshop to create awareness amongst its members regarding environmental issues and latest technologies for water treatment etc.
He said that Punjab government will support such initiatives in the larger interest of the economy.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder said that the field staff of Punjab Environment Protection Department should be trained to give awareness to the business community regarding environmental issues and their soft solutions.

He said that a number of LCCI members are constantly complaining against the notices being served on them by Environment Department.
They are very concerned about the unduly strict standpoint taken by the concerned officials.

Almas Hyder said that industry cannot afford water treatment plants as they involve a very high cost therefore the government should come forward and put up water treatment plants in all the industrial areas.

The LCCI Senior Vice President said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry was taking all possible measures to educate its members about the environmental standards in vogue the world over.

The Nation

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