Pakistan continued to be the largest beneficiary of the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade programme in 2024, with exports valued at $8.78 billion benefiting from tariff concessions, as detailed in the European Commission’s latest GSP+ report.
The report highlighted that Pakistan saved $1.17 billion in tariffs during the year through this preferential trade arrangement. Notably, the country’s utilization rate of GSP+ preferences reached an impressive 95.1 percent, ranking among the highest of all beneficiary nations.
the Commission, the European Union accounted for 28 percent of Pakistan’s total exports in 2024. Key sectors such as garments, textiles, and other manufactured goods continued to gain substantially from duty-free or preferential access to the European market.
In a significant development, Pakistan has upheld ratification of all 27 international conventions mandated under the GSP+ framework and maintained consistent cooperation with the EU’s monitoring mechanisms.
The report also underscored progress in several areas, including the National Commission for Human Rights achieving ‘A’ status, legislative initiatives to establish the National Commission for Minorities, and reforms targeting anti-torture measures, prison management, and law enforcement training.
Further legislative advancements were noted in women’s rights, prevention of domestic violence and child marriages, alongside efforts to enhance labor rights and combat forced and child labor.
Additionally, Pakistan’s initiatives in climate policy, carbon market development, biodiversity conservation, anti-narcotics legislation, and the implementation of a digital case management system received recognition.
Reaffirming its enduring partnership with Pakistan, the European Union reiterated its commitment to provide $468 million in development and reform assistance, reinforcing support for Pakistan’s ongoing progress.
