Pakistan continues to uphold all 27 international conventions under GSP+ framework
Islamabad has maintained its ratification of all 27 international conventions linked to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme,.
The report stated that Pakistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the framework, which covers key areas including human rights, labour rights, environmental standards, and good governance.
Pakistan retains top GSP+ beneficiary status as EU exports reach €7.5 billion in 2024
Pakistan has continued to benefit from the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) since 2014, remaining the largest beneficiary of the trade arrangement with €7.5 billion in GSP+ eligible exports to the EU in 2024, according to a European Commission report.
The report revealed that Pakistan secured approximately €732 million in tariff savings during 2024, while the European Union accounted for around 28% of Pakistan’s overall exports.
The EU report said textiles and clothing continued to dominate Pakistan’s export portfolio, making up nearly 70–76% of exports to the bloc. Other key sectors benefiting from GSP+ preferences included leather goods, prepared food and beverages, and various manufactured products.
It highlighted that clothing exports achieved a 95.3% utilisation rate of GSP+ preferences, reflecting Pakistan’s strong dependence on preferential access for textile products in the European market. The country’s top five export sectors recorded utilisation rates between 93.6% and 97.7% in 2024.
The report cautioned that Pakistan’s concentration in a few export sectors increases exposure to external pressures, including energy costs, regulatory requirements and fluctuations in global demand.
Compliance with international conventions
The European Commission stated that Pakistan had maintained ratification of all 27 international conventions linked to the GSP+ framework and continued cooperation with the EU’s monitoring mechanism.
The report acknowledged several institutional and legal developments in Pakistan, including the National Commission for Human Rights achieving global “A” status and steps towards creating a National Commission for Minorities.
It also noted progress in implementing anti-torture measures, improving prison systems, strengthening protections for women, addressing domestic violence and taking steps against child marriage.
The EU recognised Pakistan’s efforts to improve workers’ rights, prevent forced labour and combat child labour. It also welcomed developments in climate policy, carbon market regulations, biodiversity protection, anti-narcotics legislation and digital case management reforms.
The European Commission reaffirmed its plan to provide €400 million in development and reform assistance to Pakistan, highlighting continued cooperation under the GSP+ framework.
EU supports continuation of trade preferences
The report follows comments by EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis, who earlier expressed support for maintaining Pakistan’s GSP+ trade benefits.
Speaking at a Europe Day event in May, Karoblis called Pakistan an important economic and strategic partner and said the EU was committed to strengthening bilateral relations, promoting investment, creating jobs and supporting sustainable growth.
He added that cooperation between the EU and Pakistan would continue on key areas such as climate action, education, technology and economic development.
