ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will need to apply for a fresh Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) arrangement with the European Union from January 2027, as the existing framework is set to expire at the end of December 2026.
However, the current beneficiaries, including Pakistan, will be allowed a two-year transition period, running from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028, to facilitate the finalisation of the new scheme by the European Commission and the European Parliament.
According to media citing senior official sources, Pakistan will need to intensify diplomatic and trade-level engagement with the EU while strengthening its capacity to meet the stringent compliance requirements under the revised GSP+ framework.
Officials said all eligible countries, including existing beneficiaries, would be able to submit applications once the new GSP+ regulation takes effect on January 1, 2027.
To retain preferential access to the European market, Pakistan will have to prioritise compliance with international commitments and address key requirements under the updated rules scheduled to come into force next year.
In a related development, EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis met with the leadership of the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) in Karachi to discuss the GSP+ scheme and the future direction of trade relations between Pakistan and the European Union.
During the meeting, the ambassador underscored the importance of effectively implementing existing international commitments to ensure the continuation of GSP+ benefits.
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also highlighted the importance of the trade preference scheme for Pakistan’s economic partnership with the EU.
Dar made the remarks during a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, according to a Foreign Office statement.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European bloc, Dar emphasised that GSP+ remained a key pillar of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
He also appreciated the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan amid recent regional developments and its acknowledgement of Islamabad’s efforts to promote de-escalation and dialogue.
