Pakistan’s total exports to the EU increased by 38 per cent from 4.25 billion Euros in 2013 to 6.28 billion in 2016.The country’s garment exports to the European Union increased by 75 per cent.

Trade incentives extended to Pakistan under GSP Plus played a positive role in boosting Pakistan’s exports to the EU.

Duty free access is helping Pakistani products to compete with products originating from Bangladesh, Vietnam and Turkey and many other countries.

Under GSP Plus Pakistani goods have duty free access to 28 EU member states. Out of these 28 EU countries, Pakistan’s exports have registered an increase in 26 countries. Out of these 26 countries, Pakistan’s exports have risen by 50 per cent or more to ten EU member countries while eight countries are such where Pakistani exports have risen by 25 per cent.

The textile sector has been a major beneficiary of GSP Plus. Pakistan’s exports of textiles have increased by 55 per cent in value terms in 2016 over 2013 and Pakistan’s exports also registered an increase of 33 per cent in terms of quantity during the same period.

Pakistan’s garment and hosiery exports to Europe have increased by 75.7 per cent. Likewise home textile exports to the EU have increased by 60 per cent.