Pakistan has successfully completed its fifth review under the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status, Federal Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul announced on Thursday.
Speaking at the launch of the Sweden Pakistan Business Guide 2026–2028 in Islamabad, Paul said preparations were already underway for Pakistan’s formal reapplication, which is due by December 31, 2028.
He described GSP+ as a key pillar of Pakistan’s bilateral relationship with the European Union, adding that compliance with international obligations would help Pakistan transition into the EU’s new regulatory framework.
Swedish Ambassador Alex Berg von Linde said updating the bilateral investment treaty between Sweden and Pakistan, along with maximizing the benefits of the EU’s GSP+ scheme, remained important for future Swedish economic engagement with Pakistan.
The ambassador said discussions were underway to renegotiate and modernize the existing bilateral investment treaty. She added that GSP+ continued to support trade, market access, and economic growth between Pakistan, Sweden, and the broader European Union.
She noted there was significant potential to expand trade and economic ties between the two countries, but said Pakistan would need to continue working on its international commitments, particularly ahead of the upcoming GSP+ reapplication process.
The Sweden Pakistan Business Guide 2026–2028 provides information on business ties between the two countries and opportunities for future trade, investment, and partnerships. The launch was held at the Swedish Residence in Islamabad and was attended by government officials, diplomats, Swedish businesses, industry representatives, and journalists.
The guide covers the two markets, the Team Sweden network, Sweden’s strengths as a business and investment partner, and Swedish companies operating in Pakistan. It also highlights areas of cooperation including sustainable textiles, information and communications technology, digitalization, and responsible mining.
According to the Swedish ambassador, more than 40 Swedish companies are currently active in Pakistan, with several having operated in the country for decades.
The publication also promotes the concept of “Made with Sweden in Pakistan,” which highlights cooperation between Swedish companies and Pakistani partners by combining Swedish technology, expertise, and ideas with Pakistani talent, businesses, and local knowledge.
The Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden, and the Swedish Business Council in Pakistan will continue working with partners in both countries to identify business opportunities, support connections, and encourage greater cooperation between Swedish and Pakistani companies.
