WEB DESK: Pakistan remained the largest beneficiary of the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade programme in 2024, with exports worth $8.78 billion receiving tariff concessions, according to the European Commission’s latest GSP+ report.
The report stated that Pakistan saved around $1.17 billion in tariffs during the year through the preferential trade scheme, while the utilisation rate of GSP+ preferences reached 95.1 per cent, placing Pakistan among the highest-performing beneficiary countries.
According to the European Commission, the European Union accounted for 28 per cent of Pakistan’s total exports in 2024, with garments, textiles and other manufactured goods continuing to benefit significantly from duty-free and preferential access to European markets.
The report noted that Pakistan has maintained compliance with the GSP+ framework by continuing the ratification of all 27 international conventions required under the scheme and maintaining regular engagement with the EU’s monitoring mechanism.
The European Commission highlighted progress in several areas, including the National Commission for Human Rights achieving ‘A’ status, legislative measures for establishing the National Commission for Minorities, and reforms related to anti-torture laws, prison management and law enforcement training.
The report also acknowledged Pakistan’s legislative efforts regarding women’s rights, prevention of domestic violence and child marriages, along with initiatives aimed at strengthening labour protections and addressing forced and child labour.
The EU further appreciated Pakistan’s measures in climate policy, carbon market development, biodiversity conservation, anti-narcotics legislation and the introduction of a digital case management system.
Reaffirming its long-term partnership with Pakistan, the European Union reiterated its commitment to provide $468 million in development and reform assistance to support institutional strengthening and sustainable development initiatives.
The European Commission said continued cooperation under the GSP+ framework would remain linked with progress on economic, social and governance reforms in Pakistan.