EU Welcomes Pakistan’s Progress on GSP+ Convention Implementation

ISLAMABAD: The European Union has welcomed Pakistan’s progress in implementing 27 international conventions required under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement on Saturday.

Under the GSP+ scheme, the EU grants developing countries preferential market access, allowing duty-free entry on nearly two-thirds of tariff lines, in return for commitments to sustainable development and good governance. Countries benefiting from the scheme are required to effectively implement 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and governance standards.

According to the FO, the 15th Pakistan–EU Joint Commission meeting was held in Brussels on December 17, during which cooperation between Pakistan and the EU across multiple sectors was reviewed. The meeting included an assessment of Pakistan’s progress on the implementation of the required conventions under the GSP+ framework.

The statement noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also attended a meeting of the Sub-Group on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights on December 1. During discussions, the EU acknowledged progress made by Pakistan in aligning the application of the death penalty with international standards and encouraged further steps. It also recognised initial measures taken to address torture and welcomed the establishment of a Commission on Minorities.

However, the EU urged Pakistan to take additional short-term steps ahead of the upcoming GSP+ Monitoring Report, which will further evaluate compliance with the scheme’s requirements. The bloc also reiterated the need for continued reforms over the medium and long term.

The FO said both sides exchanged views on a range of issues, including freedom of expression and media, enforced disappearances, judicial independence, freedom of religion or belief, minority rights and the protection of vulnerable groups. The discussions emphasised the importance of proportionality, appropriate safeguards and sustained dialogue on these concerns.

Pakistan briefed the EU on progress under the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, highlighting the role of national institutions involved in promoting and protecting human rights.

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard human rights, including women’s and children’s rights, minority rights, labour and migrant rights, and fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, while also noting concerns related to disinformation.

Pakistan was granted GSP+ status in 2014, which led to a significant increase in exports to the EU, particularly in the textile sector. In October 2023, the European Parliament extended the scheme until 2027. EU officials have said Pakistan will continue to be assessed through periodic monitoring missions to ensure compliance with the scheme’s conditions.