LAHORE: Pakistan’s eligibility for continued access to the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) was discussed in detail during talks between the EU ambassador and representatives of the textile industry, signalling focus on compliance with required conventions and legislative measures ahead of upcoming evaluations.
European Union Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis and Piotr Buszta, Head of Political, Trade and Communications at the EU delegation, met with senior members of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) at APTMA House in Lahore on Friday to review developments related to the external sector and the status of the GSP+ facility.
Karoblis emphasised that Pakistan must demonstrate progress on implementing laws and international conventions tied to GSP+ eligibility, including those covering human and labour rights, to support the extension of the preferential trade status for the next decade. He called on exporters and the wider business community to adopt measures that align with these provisions and to engage with government authorities on related reforms.
The EU envoy acknowledged the textile sector’s efforts on sustainability issues and noted its importance in the assessment process for GSP+ continuation.
APTMA leadership outlined the role of the GSP+ scheme in enhancing Pakistan’s export competitiveness, especially in the textile sector, and urged that the facility remain in place to safeguard export growth and employment. Industry representatives also highlighted potential negative effects on exports and related sectors if the facility is not maintained.
