Pakistan’s exports to the European Union during the first 10 months (Jan-Oct) of 2014 advanced by 20 percent to $6.38 billion compared to the same period last year’s $5.3 billion was disclosed by Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir during a seminar.

Dastagir said that the preferential tariff scheme boosted export of textile, leather goods, footwear and plastic products.

Pakistan’s textile exports to the EU increased from to $4.4bn from $3.6bn. The exports of garments grew by 28percent, home textiles by 30percent and towels by 23percent.

Before the GSP+ status, the country’s exports to the European countries was falling particularly when the Drug Related Arrangement was terminated in 2005, he said. As a result tariff concessions granted in certain product categories were withdrawn. This had put Pakistan in a difficult situation as it had to compete with much stronger economies like India, Brazil and China for market share.

From 2005 onwards the customs tariff on various products of textiles originating from Pakistan was between 6.4 and 12percent. The duty was around 6percent on leather products, including footwear.