ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has pledged to support the government’s GSP+ process through policy engagement, technical input and industry coordination to safeguard Pakistan’s preferential access to the European Union market.

Key Points

• PTC reaffirmed commitment to support the government’s GSP+ process through policy and technical input.
• EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis met PTC leadership in Karachi to discuss the next GSP+ phase.
• PTC Chairman Fawad Anwar stressed the critical role of GSP+ for value-added textile exports.
• PTC outlined four action areas to assist government coordination and reapplication efforts.

Meeting Details and EU Engagement

The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis and PTC leadership in Karachi the other day to discuss Pakistan’s position under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), the process ahead for the next phase of the arrangement and the importance of textile and apparel exports in Pakistan’s trade with the European Union, a news release said here on Wednesday. During the meeting, the ambassador discussed implementing Pakistan’s commitments under relevant United Nations conventions in the context of the GSP+ scheme.

He said the European Commission would enhance engagement with the Government of Pakistan, focusing on areas requiring further progress and developing an action plan outlining measures, timelines, and performance indicators. He also emphasised the importance of continued coordination between the EU and Pakistan at ministerial and working levels.

Industry Perspective and Strategic Priorities

PTC Chairman Fawad Anwar said the continuation of GSP+ was critical for Pakistan’s value-added textile and apparel exports, employment, tax contributions and the wider economic ecosystem associated with the sector. He also observed that the EU-India Free Trade Agreement could create additional competitive pressures for Pakistani exporters, even if Pakistan retained its GSP+ status.

PTC Vice Chairman Anees Khawaja noted that the EU assessment acknowledged progress across all four clusters covering human rights, labour, environment and governance. He also invited the ambassador to visit Multan to observe the arrangement’s contribution to livelihoods and economic opportunities in smaller cities. PTC leadership welcomed the government’s commitment to the GSP+ process and emphasised that preparing a time-bound implementation plan was an immediate priority, offering the textile and apparel sector’s support in this regard.

The industry representatives also shared examples of good practices in export-oriented manufacturing facilities, including certified industrial facilities, female workforce participation exceeding 70 per cent at certain sites and established worker committees.

Regulatory Requirements and Future Action

PTC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Hasan Shafqaat highlighted the need for greater clarity and proportionate implementation of emerging EU regulatory requirements, particularly the Digital Product Passport and supply chain due diligence obligations. He noted that these requirements could extend transparency and traceability across the entire value chain, including the farm level.

To support the process, PTC outlined four areas of action, including engagement with the Prime Minister’s Office and the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce, assistance in government coordination through a dedicated senior focal point, and contribution of industry perspectives to the government’s GSP+ reapplication committee. PTC reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the EU Delegation and the government to support timely implementation of the necessary measures, safeguard Pakistan’s preferential market access and protect the competitiveness of the country’s textile and apparel exports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who met the PTC leadership in Karachi?

EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis met the PTC leadership in Karachi to discuss Pakistan’s position under the GSP+ scheme.

What are the four main clusters assessed by the EU?

The EU assessment covers human rights, labour, environment, and governance.