Germany asks Pakistan to implement GSP Plus reforms

Germany wants Pakistan to turn its legislative changes linked to the EU's GSP Plus preferential trade arrangement into practice, Business Recorder reported. Ambassador Ina Lepel made the call in a meeting with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday, as Islamabad readies a fresh submission. She stressed that measurable results and visible gains for citizens should follow the laws already passed.

Jam Kamal welcomed Germany's long-standing economic cooperation with Pakistan and reaffirmed Islamabad's intent to meet its international obligations, while calling for tighter coordination between federal ministries and the provinces. Lepel acknowledged the progress on legislation and called the structured approach to the next application encouraging. She added that continued engagement, open reporting and prompt follow-up would help sustain momentum and boost confidence among Pakistan's partners.

Ambassador Lepel also flagged potential in farming, processed foods, technology, factories and clean power, and urged closer ties between businesses in both countries. Jam Kamal asked German firms to join FoodAg, a Karachi event set for November 2026, pointing to agricultural machinery, food processing and livestock. Rana Isaan Afzal also raised Pakistan's position on India's Basmati rice GI application before the European Commission, alongside its own bid to protect the Basmati name.