GSP+ continuation vital for textile exports, jobs, livelihoods, EU envoy told

ISLAMABAD - Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis met with the leadership of the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) in Karachi on Tuesday to discuss Pakistan's position under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), the process ahead for the next phase of the arrangement and the strategic importance of the textile and apparel export sector in Pakistan's trade relationship with the European Union. The PTC delegation was led by Fawad Anwar, Chairman PTC, and included Anees Khawaja, Vice Chairman PTC; Zaki Bashir, CEO Gul Ahmed; Kashif Chawla, CEO Alkaram Towels; Asif Riaz, CEO Naveena Group; Siddique Bhatti, US Apparel; Haris Khan, Vice President Utopia Industries; Ahmed Javed, CEO AGI Denim; Junaid, GM Finance Utopia Industries; and Muhammad Hasan Shafqaat, CEO PTC. LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum inaugurates Judicial Complex in Alipur The ambassador was accompanied by Kert Ajamaa, Political Officer; Husnain Iftakhar, Trade Advisor; Ms Ioana Rădulescu, Assistant to the Ambassador; and Samar Saeed, Media Advisor, from the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan. EU Ambassador Outlines Expectations and Way Forward on GSP+ During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted the following key points: • According to the EU's GSP+ assessment, the European Union remains Pakistan's largest export destination, with textiles and clothing making up roughly 70 to 76 percent of Pakistan's exports to the EU. The current GSP+ arrangement has been in place for over a decade. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia vow to strengthen bilateral ties • Referring to the EU GSP+ assessment of Pakistan covering the period 2023-2025, published on July 16, 2026, the ambassador emphasised that improvements in areas relating to human rights and rule of law commitments are essential for securing benefits under the new GSP+ scheme. • The ambassador clarified that the EU is not introducing new standards. Rather, the expectation is effective implementation at an acceptable level of commitments Pakistan has already undertaken under the relevant United Nations conventions. • The European Commission will undertake enhanced engagement with the government of Pakistan. The immediate priority will be demonstrable short-term improvements in areas of major concern, followed by a credible action plan with concrete measures, timelines and measurable performance indicators. The new framework places greater emphasis on effective implementation rather than ratification of conventions or adoption of legislation. Accidents preventive measures discussed • The ambassador acknowledged the government of Pakistan's expressed readiness to cooperate at the highest level, while stressing that sustained coordination and implementation will also be required at ministerial and working levels. PTC Leadership Highlights Economic Significance and Sectoral Concerns Fawad Anwar, Chairman PTC, emphasised that PTC member companies are predominantly value-added exporters with significant dependence on the European Union market. He stressed that the continuation of GSP+ is critical not only for Pakistan's textile and apparel exports but also for employment, tax contributions and the broader ecosystem of businesses and livelihoods associated with the sector. Breast cancer awareness seminar held The chairman further observed that the EU-India Free Trade Agreement would create significant additional competitive pressures for Pakistani exporters, even if Pakistan retains its GSP+ status. Anees Khawaja, Vice Chairman PTC, noted that the report acknowledges progress across all four clusters covering human rights, labour, environment and governance. He also invited the ambassador to visit Multan to witness firsthand how GSP+ has contributed to improving livelihoods and economic opportunities in Pakistan's smaller cities. Zaki Bashir, CEO Gul Ahmed, requested that conditions within Pakistan's textile and apparel export sector be assessed separately from national-level findings. He noted that concerns presented are national findings rather than sector-specific assessments. PTC leadership welcomed the government's strong commitment to the GSP+ process and appreciated its readiness to engage with the European Union at the highest level. The leadership emphasised that the development of a time-bound implementation plan was an immediate priority in which textile and apparel sector will provide any and all support required. During the discussion, PTC members also shared examples of good practices already being implemented across export-oriented manufacturing facilities, including certified industrial facilities, female workforce participation exceeding 70 percent at certain sites, and established worker committees. Muhammad Hasan Shafqaat, CEO PTC, highlighted the need for greater clarity and proportionate implementation of emerging EU regulatory requirements, particularly the Digital Product Passport and supply chain due diligence obligations. He noted that these regulations would extend transparency and traceability requirements across the entire value chain, potentially reaching back to the farm level. Following the discussions, PTC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government of Pakistan through sustained policy engagement, technical input and industry coordination.