Pakistan's exports to the European Union (EU) under the GSP Plus status witnessed a 20 per cent increase during January 2014 to November 2014. In addition the GSP Plus mechanism has been an incentive for Pakistan to enhance democratic and human rights reforms in the country.

The GSP Plus status is conditional to Pakistan’s meeting international obligations under the conventions related to human rights, labor rights, environment protection and good governance. The status has been initially given for 10 years and is reviewed every two years.

GSP Plus has provided Pakistan a greater opportunity to fully exploit its potential in the textile sector and beyond by increasing its exports, which may result in the creation of thousands of new jobs.

It has allowed Pakistan tariff-free exports to European markets. After the grant of the GSP Plus status, the textile sector is eyeing to increase exports from 13 billion dollars to 26 billion dollars and double the direct and indirect jobs from 15 million to 30 million in the next five years.

GSP Plus status allows almost 20 per cent of Pakistani exports to enter the EU market at zero tariff and 70 per cent at preferential rates.