Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the European Union in a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday, according to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO).
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, which will be held from Sep 21-25.
The deputy premier highlighted “the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation”. He stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU, the FO said.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with DPM Dar appreciating the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments, as well as its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue.
He called for a return to “the path of dialogue and diplomacy” and full implementation “by all parties” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran earlier this year, according to the statement.
“Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the FO added.
Earlier this month, the European Union’s ambassador cautioned that GSP+ benefits could not be taken for granted. The current EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences framework is set to expire at the end of this year, and Pakistan is required to seek inclusion in the successor regime, which would carry more stringent requirements.
A European Commission assessment covering the years 2023-25, released in July this year, concluded that Pakistan had faced compliance issues with its obligations, regressed in a number of areas and made limited positive change.
Diplomatic discussions between Pakistan and the EU suggest that Islamabad is aware of the gravity of the situation, though questions remain over whether it has yet moved decisively towards addressing the concerns that Brussels has repeatedly raised.
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