Pakistan has once again been declared the largest beneficiary of the European Union’s GSP Plus scheme in the European Commission’s latest report.
According to the report, Pakistani exports worth €7.5 billion remained eligible for GSP Plus trade preferences in 2024.
The report stated that Pakistan saved nearly €732 million in tariffs in 2024 due to the GSP Plus scheme.
Pakistan achieved a 95.1% utilization rate of the European trade preferences, according to the report.
The European Union purchased 28% of Pakistan’s total exports in 2024, the report added.
Pakistani textiles, garments, leather products, processed food, and other exports benefited significantly from the European trade preferences.
The report noted that Pakistan has maintained the ratification of all 27 international conventions linked to the GSP Plus scheme.
It also stated that Pakistan continued to cooperate regularly with the European Union’s monitoring process.
The European Commission described the National Commission for Human Rights receiving Global A Status as an important institutional achievement.
The legislation for establishing the National Commission for Minorities was recognized as a significant step towards protecting minority rights.
The report acknowledged the implementation of anti-torture law rules, training initiatives, and prison reforms.
New legislation on women’s protection, domestic violence, and child marriages was described as important progress.
Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen labour rights, prevent forced labour, and eliminate child labour were also appreciated in the report.
The European Commission further recognized Pakistan’s climate policy, carbon market guidelines, and biodiversity initiatives.
New anti-narcotics laws and the digital case management system were highlighted as positive developments.
The European Union also reaffirmed its commitment to provide €400 million in development and reform assistance to Pakistan, according to the European Commission report.
