Pakistan’s exports to the European Union (EU) market have increased by 33 per cent, mostly in the textile sector, since it got the generalised system of preferences (GSP) plus status in late 2013, according to EU ambassador to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara, who recently said the EU would review progress on reforms and implementation of conventions by Pakistan after every two years.
If Pakistan fails to fully abide by the obligations required, special trade incentives like GSP plus status would be withdrawn immediately, she told the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“There is a huge potential for the export of Pakistani fresh fruits and food items to the EU markets,” she was quoted as saying by Pakistani media reports.
The EU Review Report 2020 said Pakistan had signed 27 conventions in different sectors and improvement was seen on some of them, including human rights, development of transgender persons, and protection of journalists, she said.
Kaminara hoped Pakistan would further expedite the legislation process and reforms as part of EU commitments.
An EU-Pakistan Business Council would be formed to cement trade and economic ties, the envoy added.