EU-Pakistan Relations Strengthened Through GSP+ Framework

A high-level delegation of the European Parliaments Committee on Development led by Mr. Lukas Mandl (Austria) and accompanied by EU Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Raimundas Karoblis, visited Pakistan to discuss the country's continued commitment to strengthening EU-Pakistan relations under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework. The meeting highlighted Pakistan's progress on human rights, labor reforms, climate action, and institutional strengthening, as well as its recent achievements under the GSP+ monitoring framework. The delegation also discussed trade and economic matters, including the creation of a conducive environment for foreign investment and promising areas for EU investment in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Key Takeaways:

• Minister Jam Kamal Khan briefed the delegation on Pakistan's recent achievements under the GSP+ monitoring framework, highlighting significant progress on human rights, labor reforms, climate action, and institutional strengthening.
• Pakistan has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term, reflecting global confidence in its constructive role in advancing dialogue and multilateral human rights cooperation.
• Pakistan has been granted A-status accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
• Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized Pakistan's efforts to create a conducive environment for foreign investment and noted that the interest rate has already been reduced from 22% to 11%.
• Pakistan looks forward to EU technical support and capacity building to strengthen its ability to meet new sustainability and climate standards.
• Senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) informed the delegation that Pakistan had joined the Madrid Protocol on Trademarks and the Marrakech Treaty for the Visually Impaired.
• Members of the European Parliament, including Mr. Lukas Mandl and Mr. Marc Jongen, appreciated Pakistan's constructive engagement, openness in discussion, and the government's focus on reforms and human capital development.

Statistics:

• Over 60% of Pakistan's 250 million population is below the age of 30, making skill training and vocational education a key national priority.
• Pakistan's economic future lies in industrial expansion, skill development, and human resource empowerment.
• The interest rate has already been reduced from 22% to 11%.

Sources:

• Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd. (2025)
• Contify.com