Pakistan and the European Parliament delegation restated their commitment to enhance the cooperation within the framework of GSP Plus aimed at placing emphasis on trade, labour reforms and sustainable development. This meeting was held between Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and an EU high level delegation headed by Lukas Mandl of European Parliament Committee on Development at the Ministry of Commerce Islamabad.
The progress made by Pakistan under the GSP Plus trade framework in terms of human rights, labour rights and environmental standards was discussed. Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that Pakistan has become the member of the UN Human Rights Council (2026-2028) and National Commission of Human Rights was granted the status of A by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
The minister informed the EU delegation about legislative changes, such as Islamabad Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, interfaith harmony and freedom of expression. He also said that the rate of interest was cut down to 11% to make business and foreign investment in Pakistan.
Jam Kamal Khan came up to invest in agriculture, food processing, SMEs, e-commerce and manufacturing in Pakistan. He brought two major trade issues to the fore namely the concession of ethanol export duties and Basmati rice GI registration whereby he requested the EU to give a just solution since both factors affect Pakistan agriculture and its farmers.
The minister proposed collaboration on sustainability policies in the EU such as CBAM, CSDDD, and EUDR to ensure that the exports in Pakistan are matched with the EU.
The two parties reiterated their determination to boost Pakistan-EU trade relations, sustainable development and GSP Plus partnership, which guarantee a mutual economic development.
