Pakistan has been reminded by the European Union that the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade benefits are contingent upon the advancement of 27 international treaties pertaining to environmental protection, governance, and human rights. The EU has issued a warning that it would become challenging to maintain this status in the future if significant improvements are not implemented in these areas.
With its GSP+ status, Pakistan has duty-free or reduced-duty access to European markets, making the EU its second-largest trading partner. However, adherence to international accords on environmental protection, labor rights, human rights, and open governance is a prerequisite for this privilege.
Olof Skoog, the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights, encouraged the government to refrain from holding civilian trials in military courts when he was in Pakistan.
The European Union reminds Pakistan to meet the GSP+ requirements.
