In a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan, Hungary has officially voiced strong support for the extension of the GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences-Plus) status beyond 2027, calling it a win-win for both Pakistan and the European Union.
This endorsement was delivered by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who appeared alongside Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar during a joint press briefing at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on Thursday.
📦 What Is GSP+ and Why Does It Matter?
The GSP+ status allows Pakistan to export over 6,000 goods tariff-free to the EU, boosting sectors like textiles, leather, surgical instruments, and sports goods.
➡️ Renewed GSP+ support = More exports, more jobs, and more foreign exchange
Hungary’s backing signals that Pakistan is seen as a trustworthy and stable trade partner by EU member states.
✈️ Pakistan & Hungary Sign Key Diplomatic and Trade Agreements
Pakistan and Hungary also took key steps to strengthen bilateral relations:
✔️ Mutual visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders
✔️ Signed three major MoUs, including:
🔹 Cultural Exchange Program (2025–2027)
🔹 Cooperation on Archaeology & Heritage
🔹 Diplomatic Visa Waiver
🛠️ Economic Cooperation to Expand in Multiple Sectors
Both sides agreed to boost collaboration across key industries:
- 📚 Education & Scholarships: Hungary offers 400 scholarships annually to Pakistani students — over 17,000 applicants for 2025 alone
- 💧 Water Management & Food Security: Hungarian companies have already successfully completed major projects in Pakistan
- 🌾 Agriculture, Energy, and Industrial Manufacturing: New trade and investment opportunities under discussion
- 🏥 Healthcare & Medical Science: More joint initiatives in medicine and public health expected
A business delegation of 17 Hungarian companies also accompanied the foreign minister to explore new ventures in Pakistan.
🕊️ Shared Vision on Global and Regional Issues
Pakistan and Hungary reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral forums like the United Nations, and held wide-ranging discussions on:
- Counterterrorism cooperation, especially concerning threats originating from Afghanistan
- Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir, as per UN resolutions
- Support for the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution
Hungary acknowledged Pakistan’s critical role in maintaining regional peace and contributing to European and global security.
🗣️ Statements That Matter
“Hungary considers Pakistan a reliable and trusted partner, and supports the continuation of GSP+ as a mutual interest of both parties.”
— Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Foreign Minister
“There’s vast scope for expanding cooperation in energy, IT, agriculture, manufacturing, and education.”
— Senator Ishaq Dar, Deputy PM & Foreign Minister of Pakistan
📊 Final Thought: A Gateway to EU Expansion?
Hungary’s public endorsement could tip the scales in Pakistan’s favor as the European Union reviews the post-2027 GSP+ framework. With strong allies like Hungary, Pakistan is positioning itself as a resilient, reform-focused trading partner ready to grow in global markets.
🔔 Stay updated with www.dailyforex.pk for all key developments on Pakistan’s trade diplomacy, forex market trends, GSP+ status updates, and strategic international partnerships.