Pakistan has completed its fifth review under the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status, Federal Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul said on Thursday.
Speaking at the launch of the Sweden Pakistan Business Guide 2026 to 2028 in Islamabad, Paul said the government had already begun preparations for Pakistan’s formal GSP+ reapplication, which is due by December 31, 2028.
He described GSP+ as an important part of Pakistan’s relationship with the European Union and said continued compliance with international obligations would help the country transition into the EU’s new regulatory framework.
Swedish Ambassador Alex Berg von Linde said updating the bilateral investment treaty between Sweden and Pakistan and making full use of the EU’s GSP+ scheme would remain important for future Swedish economic engagement with Pakistan.
The ambassador said discussions were underway to renegotiate and modernize the existing bilateral investment treaty. He added that GSP+ continued to support trade, market access and economic growth between Pakistan, Sweden and the broader European Union.
The ambassador said there was significant potential to expand trade and economic ties between the two countries. However, she 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 to 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.
More than 40 Swedish companies are currently active in Pakistan, with several having operated in the country for decades, according to the Swedish ambassador.
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.
The guide is intended to strengthen commercial links between Sweden and Pakistan while highlighting opportunities for businesses in areas where both countries can collaborate.
The launch also provided a platform for government representatives, diplomats and business leaders to discuss ways to expand bilateral trade and investment in the coming years.
