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

Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to coordinate government action to retain access to the European Union’s GSP+ trade preferences. In a letter dated October 22, 2026, the council said Pakistan must meet the scheme’s requirements on human rights, labour rights, the rule of law and environmental protection.

Pakistan’s existing GSP+ eligibility runs through December 31, 2028, and the country must apply before that date to continue receiving benefits from January 1, 2029. The EU-27 bought USD 7.103 billion of Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports in FY2025-26, equal to 39.5 percent of the sector’s exports, while shipments to the bloc rose 3 percent to USD 1.954 billion in July-September 2026.

PTC said the EU’s proposed trade agreement with India and its interest in a deal with Bangladesh could sharpen competition for Pakistani suppliers. It urged the government to prepare a detailed, time-bound application, show progress on existing commitments and coordinate federal and provincial agencies with the European Commission.