PTC urges PM to direct all concerned for fresh GSP+ status

Business Recorder · 23/10/2026، 12:47:19 AM

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to direct all relevant federal ministries, divisions and provincial governments to take immediate measures to secure Pakistan’s GSP+ status under the European Union’s new Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), warning that the country’s textile and apparel exports face mounting competitive pressure in the European market. In a letter dated October 22, 2026, addressed to the Prime Minister, PTC Chairman Fawad Anwar called for coordinated government action to ensure Pakistan meets the European Commission’s requirements, particularly regarding the effective implementation of commitments relating to human rights, the rule of law, labour rights and environmental protection. The council stressed that Pakistan’s preferential access to the EU market was critical for sustaining export growth, protecting employment and maintaining the competitiveness of the country’s value-added textile and apparel sector. According to the letter, under the new GSP Regulation approved by the European Parliament on April 28, 2026, Pakistan is listed in Annex I as a Standard GSP country and will be considered a GSP+ beneficiary only until December 31, 2028. To continue benefiting from January 1, 2029, Pakistan must submit a written request before the deadline, providing comprehensive information on the ratification of relevant international conventions, binding undertakings and a credible plan of action. The proposed plan must identify priority areas, specify indicative implementation timelines and designate responsible institutions. The European Commission may grant GSP+ benefits only where it has not identified a serious failure to effectively implement any of the relevant conventions. The new GSP framework will remain in force until December 31, 2036, making Pakistan’s application crucial for securing preferential access to the European market for the remainder of the scheme’s duration. The PTC warned tha