Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level inter-ministerial meeting on Monday, reviewing steps to strengthen Pakistan’s economic and trade cooperation with the European Union.
According to sources, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of expanding trade and economic ties with the EU, noting that the EU is a key economic partner for Pakistan. He highlighted that its significance increases further under the GSP Plus framework. He added that Pakistan has successfully completed four biennial reviews under the GSP Plus scheme and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fulfilling all its obligations under this scheme to enhance mutually beneficial trade opportunities.
The meeting was attended by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch, and other relevant federal and provincial officials.
It is noted that GSP Plus is a preferential trade arrangement by the European Union, allowing developing countries duty-free access to the European market, provided they comply with international conventions on human and labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his commitment to further strengthen cooperation with the EU in trade, investment, and climate change during a meeting with the European ambassador.
