ISLAMABAD: At a time when Pakistan’s preferential access to European markets is under scrutiny, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal held talks on Friday with the EU’s new ambassador to review the future of the GSP+ facility and preparations for the Pakistan-EU Business Forum.

The meeting took place three days after the announcement of the EU Ambassador to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, who warned that Pakistan’s access to the GSP+ was neither guaranteed nor automatic, signalling a more conditional approach from Brussels.

The EU envoy and Mr Kamal discussed strengthening economic relations, with a particular focus on the upcoming Pakistan-EU Business Forum — scheduled to be held on April 28-29 — and the continued importance of the GSP+ scheme.

The envoy’s remarks, which linked continued trade concessions to progress on sensitive issues such as blasphemy laws, enforced disappearances, and minority rights, have stirred concern in policy and exports circles.

Officials familiar with the discussions said the timing of the minister’s engagement reflects Islamabad’s effort to contain uncertainty surrounding its export access to the European market, one of its largest trading partners. The development also comes against a shifting global trade environment.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026