ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce has asked exporters to continue exporting high quality products to European Union countries as the preferential duties granted under the GSP+ scheme will continue beyond 2016.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry said that preferences under GSP+ scheme given to Pakistan are valid for the whole GSP+ scheme period, from Jan 1, 2014 to Dec 31, 2023, subject to a satisfactory implementation of the 27 UN Conventions by the country.

Over the past few weeks, the ministry has received queries regarding the continuity of the preferential duties post-January 2016.

The ministry advised exporters not to indulge in any kind of speculation about the continuity of the GSP+ scheme.

“Pakistan has gradually put in place institutions designed to respect, protect and promote human rights, including the GSP+ Treaty Implementation Cell, headed by the special assistant to prime minister on law and justice. A national framework on human rights is at an advance stage of finalisation,” the release added.

The European Commission is preparing a technical report to the European Parliament and the EU Member States (Council) to present trade data linked to the usage of the GSP+ instrument as well as developments in the field of human rights and labour laws by the end of January 2016.

Pakistan is confident that such a report will highlight the good, comprehensive partnership with the EU on these issues.

“Pakistan will continue to work together with the EU in the next years to deliver concrete and positive changes on the ground, for the people of Pakistan,” the ministry stressed.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2016