GSP+ talks: Islamabad raises ethanol, Basmati issues in push for fairer EU market access

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the European Union (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme during talks with the Netherlands, while simultaneously flagging key trade grievances that continue to challenge market access.

During a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce and Secretary Commerce with Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E. Robert-Jan Siegert’s on Saturday, Pakistan raised concerns over the withdrawal of ethanol concessions and the ongoing dispute over the geographical indication (GI) of Basmati rice with India, read a statement.

Secretary of Commerce Jawad Paul explained that the EU has just one scheme of interaction with Pakistan, that is GSP+. He assured that Pakistan is committed to fulfilling all the obligations, considering it in its own best interest to do so.

GSP plus status: Pakistan highlights governance, rights reforms in talks with EU delegation

The Secretary of Commerce also raised the issue of the EU’s removal of concessions on ethanol. He explained that Pakistan’s industry “feels that they have been hard done by”. The industry association has appealed to the EU in this regard.

The government official requested the Netherlands’ envoy to consider their appeal.

He further mentioned that the application for GI of Basmati Rice has been filed by both India and Pakistan. “Indian claim for exclusive right of Basmati is neither supported by history nor literature,” he said.

The official also mentioned that exports of rice from Pakistan to the Netherlands, regardless of the variety, have a huge potential that is being underutilised.

During the meeting, Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, stated that upon examining the bilateral trade, he noticed immense room for diversification.

“There is huge potential to enhance the exports of agricultural and food products from Pakistan. There is a lot that can be explored to improve productivity as well as quality.

The minister also underscored the importance and potential of the services sector. “Given the youth bulge that Pakistan has, the services sector can surpass goods exports very easily and in a lesser time,” he said.

The commerce minister also applauded the Netherlands-based Jazz Telecom and its role in the digital financial integration of the rural population.

The envoy mentioned that they are discussing dates for starting a formal round of discussion to explore new areas and opportunities for coordination and bilateral interaction. With reference to the upcoming GSP Monitoring Mission’s visit, he hoped this interaction to improve relations between the EU and Pakistan.

Minister for Commerce mentioned that after the 18th Amendment, many subjects have been shifted to provinces; however Ministry of Commerce is coordinating and sensitising all the stakeholders in this regard.

The Dutch envoy mentioned that previously, Netherlands companies were facing hardship in repatriation of their dividends, but the issue has now been resolved with the cooperation of stakeholders in Pakistan. He was optimistic that improved macroeconomic conditions would win the confidence of the foreign investors, read the statement.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Commerce mentioned that Pakistan is working to expand its dairy and meat sector and to enhance its exports in these two commodities.

He requested the Dutch Ambassador, if there is a possibility of technology sharing between the Netherlands and Pakistan in these sectors, to which the Ambassador assured that there are several projects, particularly drone-assisted efficient water management, that can be helpful for Pakistan, and he showed his full commitment and support in this regard.

FM Dar, EU high representative underline GSP+ arrangement’s importance

Pakistan and the European Union convened the 7th Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs  and Vice-President of European Commission Kaja Kallas in Brussels.

The meeting provided a comprehensive review of the full spectrum of Pakistan-EU relations, building on the positive momentum of recent high-level engagements and sustained institutional interactions.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a broad-based, multidimensional and forward-looking partnership anchored in shared values, the UN Charter, multilateralism, and the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.

They underlined the importance of further deepening trade and investment ties, including through the EU’s GSP+ arrangement, as a driver for sustainable growth, export diversification, job creation and mutually beneficial economic opportunity.

The dialogue also offered an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global developments, including South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and broader geopolitical developments.

Both sides underlined the importance of coordinated approaches to peace, stability, sustainable development, and global challenges such as climate change and connectivity.

They agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019), advance work on ongoing dialogues, and identify concrete avenues to expand collaboration in the years ahead.