Pakistan's exports to the European Union (EU) witnessed a 20 per cent increase during January 2014 to November 2014.Exports have risen to euros 5.067 billion against last year’s euros 4.22 billion.

Pakistan has been granted the Generalised System of Preference Plus status. This allows Pakistan tariff-free exports to European markets. It has provided Pakistan a greater opportunity to fully exploit its potential in the textile sector and increase its exports, which may result in the creation of thousands of new jobs.

With the GSP Plus status, the textile sector is eyeing to increase exports from three billion dollars to 26 billion dollars and double the direct and indirect jobs from 15 million to 30 million in the next five years.

Also the GSP Plus mechanism has been an incentive for Pakistan to enhance democratic and human rights reforms in the country. The status is conditional to Pakistan’s meeting its international obligations under the 27 conventions related to human rights, labor rights, environment protection and good governance. The status has been given for ten years and is reviewed after every two years.

The textile sector has reduced carbon dioxide emission by 40,000 tons, which would play a major role in environment protection.