STAFF REPORT LHR: Pakistan has successfully completed four out of five projects of Stage-I of HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) which shall keep the country in compliance with the current targets of Montreal Protocol that relates to the Ozone layer. These projects were funded by Multilateral Fund with UNIDO as implementing agency. This was disclosed at a consultative meeting arranged by the arranged by the Ozone Cell, a climate change division, in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce and Customs Collectorate Lahore.
The meeting discussed the progress of Pakistans compliance to Montreal Protocol (MP) for protection of ozone layer. The phase-out of HCFCs, future actions plans, and queries and reservations of stakeholders also came under discussion. The meeting was moderated by UNIDO consultant, Iqbal P. Sheikh, and other attendees included representatives of Haier Pakistan, Varioline Intercool, commercial importers and traders of ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances).
Pakistan is a signatory of Montreal Protocol for the protection of Ozone Layer.
One of the suggestions was to reduce the custom duty on the Ozone and Climate friendly alternatives to HCFCs to encourage the use of these gases which would help meet Pakistans MP targets and discourage illegal trade of HCFCs.
It was also discussed that quotas of HCFCs shall be strictly implemented to prevent illegal import of HCFCs.