Pakistan in Touch With EU authorities to address potential risks to its exports following the landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union. The Foreign Office confirmed ongoing engagement as concerns rise within Pakistan’s business community.
Meanwhile, India and the EU signed the long-awaited trade pact on January 27, calling it the “mother of all deals.” As a result, Pakistan fears the agreement may dilute its tariff advantage in European markets.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad has carefully reviewed the deal’s content. Moreover, he acknowledged growing anxiety among exporters who worry about losing competitiveness once India gains similar or better tariff access.
Importantly, the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export destination. Pakistan has benefited from the EU’s GSP+ scheme since 2014, which granted duty-free access on several goods. Consequently, textile exports to Europe surged by 108 percent under the arrangement. However, the GSP+ status will expire in December next year.
Therefore, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach. Andrabi said officials raised the GSP+ issue during last year’s strategic dialogue with the EU. In addition, Pakistan continues bilateral discussions with EU member states and coordinated talks with EU headquarters in Brussels.
At the same time, Andrabi described the GSP+ framework as a “win-win” model. He noted that Pakistani textiles support European consumer markets by ensuring steady and affordable supplies. Currently, total trade between Pakistan and the EU stands at nearly €12 billion.
Separately, the Foreign Office responded to queries on regional and global issues. Pakistan took note of recent defence talks between India and the UAE but declined to comment. Furthermore, Andrabi ruled out joining the Abraham Accords, reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance on Palestine.
On Iran, Pakistan reiterated opposition to the use of force. Lastly, Andrabi clarified that decisions on Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Cricket World Cup rest solely with the PCB and ICC.
