Pakistan reiterated on Thursday its commitment to the European Union’s GSP+ trade preference scheme and outlined recent human rights reforms during a meeting with an EU delegation.
Federal Minister for Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed the delegation on legal and policy measures adopted to protect the rights of women, children, laborers, and marginalized communities. He also underscored steps taken to safeguard freedom of expression and media rights.
The EU delegation offered recommendations for further reforms, which Pakistani officials pledged to consider. Both sides agreed on strengthening monitoring mechanisms, engaging provincial authorities, and ensuring effective implementation of commitments under 27 UN conventions.
Officials noted that Pakistan’s GSP+ status has significantly boosted exports, particularly in textiles, clothing, and other key sectors, while also placing human and labor rights, environmental standards, and governance reforms under international scrutiny.
Under the GSP+ arrangement, eligible developing countries receive broad tariff preferences to support poverty reduction, sustainable growth, and integration into the global economy. For Pakistan, this allows zero duties on roughly 66% of tariff lines for exports to the EU, providing a major boost to domestic industries and employment.
Since obtaining GSP+ status in 2014, Pakistan’s exports to the EU have risen from $5.1 billion in 2015 to $9 billion in 2024. The EU remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner, importing garments, bed linen, towels, hosiery, leather goods, sports equipment, and surgical instruments, sectors that employ millions across the country.
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