Islamabad (TDI): A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Development visited the Ministry of Commerce, for a discussion with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan.
Led by Lukas Mandl (Austria), the delegation included Robert Biedroń (Poland), Juan Fernando López Aguilar (Spain), Tomáš Zdechovský (Czechia), and Marc Jongen (Germany).
Advisors including Christian Meseth, Janetta Cujkova, and Teresa Paula de Figueiredo Mergulhão were also part of the delegation. EU Ambassador to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, was also present.
Minister Khan briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s recent achievements under the GSP+ monitoring framework, highlighting significant progress on human rights, labor reforms, climate action, and institutional strengthening.
The Minister shared that Pakistan has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term, reflecting global confidence in its constructive role in advancing dialogue and multilateral human rights cooperation.
He also noted that the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has been granted “A status” accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)—a major recognition of Pakistan’s institutional progress.
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He discussed the government’s measures to address challenges related to high taxation, energy costs, and interest rates—acknowledging that the interest rate has already been reduced from 22% to 11%.
The Minister also highlighted promising areas for EU investment, particularly in agriculture, food processing, seed development, value-added exports, manufacturing, SMEs, and e-commerce; inviting European companies to partner with Pakistan in technology transfer, sustainable farming, and food-chain innovation.
Commerce Minister also raised two key trade concerns with the Parliament delegation:
- The withdrawal of duty concessions on Pakistan’s ethanol exports under the GSP+ scheme, which has adversely affected rural livelihoods and farming communities.
- The issue of Geographical Indication (GI) registration of Basmati rice, urging the European Union to ensure a fair and impartial decision that recognizes Pakistan’s heritage and rightful claim to the globally renowned rice variety.
He underscored that both issues are critical for Pakistan’s rural economy and the livelihoods of millions of farmers, especially in the wake of recent floods that impacted the agricultural sector.
Read More: EU Ambassador, Law Minister Review Human Rights Progress in Pakistan
Senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) informed the delegation that Pakistan had joined the Madrid Protocol on Trademarks and the Marrakech Treaty for the Visually Impaired, with further reforms in progress on patents and copyrights.
Members of the European Parliament, including Lukas Mandl and Marc Jongen, appreciated Pakistan’s constructive engagement, openness in discussion, and the government’s focus on reforms and human capital development.
They acknowledged Pakistan’s potential and reiterated that dialogue, transparency, and partnership would continue to guide the EU–Pakistan relationship. The delegation also discussed issues of global concern, including peace, education, and economic cooperation.
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