Our GSP+ moment: progress, challenges and perception |
The upcoming review of Pakistan's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP ) status by the European Union scheduled for late November 2025 presents a defining moment for the country's economic future and its commitment to international standards. While Pakistan has benefited tremendously from GSP status over the last decade – getting vital duty-free access to European markets and nearly doubling its exports to the 27-member bloc — the Union's message is clear and firm: Pakistan "needs to do more".
This directive is not a condemnation, but rather an opportunity — a call to deepen reforms across critical sectors including human rights, labour, governance and the environment. Embracing this message with determination and accountability can help Pakistan secure continued preferential market access, supporting millions of jobs and sustaining vital economic growth.
Since Pakistan first qualified for GSP in 2014, the country has seen its exports to the EU rise from approximately €4.5 billion to nearly €9 billion in 2024. Textiles and garments, which constitute about 80% of these exports, have been the backbone of this growth, directly sustaining an estimated 1.5 to 2 million jobs.
These figures convey more than just economic statistics; they speak to the livelihoods of millions of Pakistani families and the broader economic stability GSP brings. However, preferential access under GSP comes with........