The expiry of GSP+ facility in 2023 may have a disastrous effect on the Pakistan textile industry as international buyers will start searching for other regional suppliers for placing new orders, says Sheikh Lugman Aman, Regional Chairman, Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA). Extension of had helped boost Pakistan’s textile exports, explains Ijaz Khokhar, Chief Coordinator. He has urged the government to push the EU countries for extension of GSP Plus facility to Pakistan for another 10 years.

Khokhar also urged enhanced interaction and communication with ambassadors of EU bloc and other European countries. He also emphasized on the need for direct advocacy and lobbying by visiting EU headquarters in Brussels. The readymade garments sector in Pakistan urged the new government to initiate lobbying for continuity of Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP)-Plus, besides implementing new textile and apparel policy through revival of Pakistan Export Promotion Board (PEPB).

Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) office-bearers urged the government to initiate work on lobbying for renewal for GSP status for Pakistan from the European Union (EU) to sustain export growth.