Post-Ldc era: BGMEA urges EU to continue trade benefits
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) yesterday urged the EU to continue providing trade benefits to Bangladesh for 12 years after the country's graduation to a developing nation in 2026.
The extension would help Bangladesh make a smooth transition from the UN's least developed category and prepare for all post-graduation challenges, said Faruque Hassan, president of the BGMEA.
Hassan made this request during a meeting with Charles Whiteley, the EU's ambassador to Bangladesh, at the BGMEA office in Dhaka's Gulshan area.
Hassan apprised the newly appointed EU ambassador about the present situation of Bangladesh's garment industry, its challenges, opportunities and future priorities, the BGMEA said in a statement.
He also shared the industry's impressive achievements in regards to workplace safety, environmental sustainability and worker wellbeing.
He thanked the EU for its move to remove the 7.4 per cent import threshold from its GSP+ vulnerability criteria as the step will pave the way for Bangladesh to apply for the benefit after graduation.
He hoped Bangladesh would continue to get the friendly support and cooperation extended by the EU, especially for the apparel industry.
The president of the apparel makers' platform also sought cooperation of the EU for capacity development of students of the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology in textile, apparel, fashion and business through collaborations with leading EU universities.
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali also attended the meeting.
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