Pakistan presses EU on GSP+ reforms amid ethanol, GI concerns
- Concerns raised over withdrawal of GSP preferences on ethanol
Pakistan has urged the European Union (EU) to ensure that the upcoming GSP+ framework remains development-focused and fair, as Islamabad raised concerns over the withdrawal of ethanol preferences and the need for impartial decisions on key Geographical Indication (GI) cases.
The call came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and the visiting European Commission Monitoring Mission in Islamabad on Friday.
The mission is being led by Sergio Balibrea, Advisor to the GSP+ Directorate in DG Trade and Raimundas Karoblis, EU Ambassador to Pakistan also accompanied the delegation.
Jam welcomed the delegation and highlighted EU’s role as Pakistan’s largest export market, noting that GSP+ has significantly supported trade, employment, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development in the country.
GSP+ talks: Islamabad raises ethanol, Basmati issues in push for fairer EU market access
He underlined Pakistan’s continued implementation of the 27 international conventions tied to GSP+ and expressed confidence that the 5th Biennial Review would acknowledge the progress achieved despite major challenges.
The minister urged that the new GSP+ framework should maintain its development outlook without imposing excessive new conditions on beneficiary countries.
He also raised concerns over the recent withdrawal of GSP preferences on ethanol, which was Pakistan’s largest non-textile export under the scheme and the decision of the EU had adversely affected farmers’ livelihood.
Highlighting the importance of a fair process for GI registration of Basmati rice, he expressed hope that the EU would ensure impartiality as both Pakistan and India await a decision.
He further encouraged consideration of other Pakistani products, including Sindhi Ajrak, Pink Salt, and Mangoes, for GI protection.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-EU trade ties under a stable and predictable GSP+ partnership.
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