Islamabad: Pakistan has confirmed its strong commitment to the EU’s GSP+ trade program during a meeting between Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and the visiting European Commission Monitoring Mission in Islamabad.
The delegation was led by Sergio Balibrea, Advisor to the GSP+ Directorate in DG TRADE, and Raimundas Karoblis, EU Ambassador to Pakistan.
Key Points from the Meeting:
- Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the EU as Pakistan’s largest export market, noting that the GSP+ program has helped expand trade, create jobs, support women’s empowerment, and promote sustainable development.
- Pakistan is fully implementing the 27 international conventions linked to GSP+, and the Minister is confident that the 5th Biennial Review will recognize the country’s progress despite challenges.
- He urged that the new GSP+ framework should continue supporting development without adding too many new conditions for beneficiary countries.
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- Pakistan raised concerns over the withdrawal of GSP preferences on Ethanol, which was the country’s largest non-textile export under the scheme, affecting farmers’ livelihoods.
- The Minister emphasized the need for a fair process for Basmati rice GI registration, hoping the EU ensures impartiality as both Pakistan and India await a decision.
- He also suggested considering other Pakistani products like Sindhi Ajrak, Pink Salt, and Mangoes for GI protection.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-EU trade relations under a stable and predictable GSP+ partnership.