The Prime Minister underscored the GSP Plus scheme as a vital driver of Pakistan-EU trade, calling it a cornerstone for deepening economic partnership
By Mehrab Shah Afridi
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union, highlighting the importance of mutually beneficial trade initiatives, particularly under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus).
The remarks came during a meeting with EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, who called on the Prime Minister in Islamabad on Tuesday. During the discussion, Prime Minister Sharif underlined Pakistan’s determination to work closely with the EU across a wide spectrum of shared interests, including trade, investment, development, security, migration, and climate change.
The Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role of the GSP Plus scheme in expanding bilateral trade, describing it as a cornerstone for economic engagement between Pakistan and the European Union. He also expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of the seventh round of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue, held in Brussels in November last year.
The delegation from Pakistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, reportedly addressed key issues aimed at deepening cooperation, signaling a continued effort to consolidate the strategic partnership. Ambassador Karoblis expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received since his arrival in Pakistan and conveyed the good wishes of the EU leadership to Prime Minister Sharif.
Ambassador Karoblis assured that the EU would continue its steady engagement with Pakistan across all areas of collaboration. The Ambassador further highlighted the EU’s intention to expand trade opportunities, not only under the GSP Plus framework but also through initiatives such as the first-ever EU-Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled for April this year, aimed at promoting business partnerships and investment linkages.
The meeting reflected a shared recognition of the potential for enhanced economic and strategic cooperation. Both sides appeared committed to advancing a pragmatic, results-oriented agenda, with trade facilitation, investment promotion, and sustainable development emerging as central themes of the partnership.
Prime Minister Sharif’s engagement with the EU envoy underscored a broader effort by Islamabad to position Pakistan as a reliable partner for Europe, emphasizing dialogue, collaboration, and practical measures to boost trade, investment, and mutual understanding.
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