LAHORE: Dr Gohar Ejaz, Patron of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), hosted Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, for a comprehensive discussion on the renewal of Pakistan’s GSP+ status and the future trajectory of Pakistan–EU trade relations.
Dr Ejaz reaffirmed that Pakistan’s textile industry is among the most compliant manufacturing sectors globally, with exporters strictly adhering to international standards on labour rights, workplace safety, environmental compliance, human rights, and gender inclusion.
He emphasised that Pakistan’s textile exporters have consistently met—and in many areas surpassed—the requirements under the GSP+ framework.
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He further highlighted that GSP+ has had a meaningful and positive impact on Pakistan, contributing to the improved working conditions, greater awareness and enforcement of labour rights, enhanced focus on human rights, and increased participation of women in the workforce. Pakistan’s business community, he noted, remains deeply appreciative of the European Union’s continued engagement and partnership.
At the same time, Dr Ejaz candidly acknowledged that Pakistan, as a country, still has progress to make. He stressed that the business community is prepared to take ownership, work constructively with the Government of Pakistan, and play a proactive role in addressing remaining gaps to ensure full and sustained compliance.
Transparency, intent, and continuous improvement, he noted, are essential to the credibility of Pakistan’s GSP+ renewal case.
The discussion also underscored the deeply interlinked and mutually beneficial nature of Pakistan–EU trade. While Pakistan exports textiles and value-added goods to European markets, a substantial portion of Pakistan’s imports—particularly advanced machinery, technology, and industrial equipment—originates from EU member states. This bilateral trade relationship supports employment, industrial development, and economic growth not only in Pakistan, but across Europe, as well.
Both sides agreed that continued dialogue, mutual trust, and shared responsibility are critical to strengthening the Pakistan–EU partnership and ensuring the successful renewal of GSP+, positioning it as a framework that delivers economic opportunity, social progress, and long-term mutual benefit.
The meeting was attended by Kamran Arshad, Chairman APTMA Punjab; Asad Shafi, Chairman APTMA North; Muhammad Qasim, Treasurer APTMA Punjab; and Habib Anwar, French Honorary Consul in Lahore—reflecting strong, unified representation of Pakistan’s textile leadership.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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