Lot more to do to get back GSP: Mozena
Lot more to do to get back GSP: Mozena
Hailing Bangladesh for taking some steps to get back the GSP (generalised system of preferences) facilities, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W Mozena today said the country still needs to do a lot more.
"The country has done a lot but still needs more for reinstatement of the facilities," the ambassador said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed at his ministry in the capital.
“The matter of reinstating the GSP for Bangladesh will be reviewed in Washington next May,” the US envoy said.
“A 16-tier work plan has been set to reinstate the GSP facilities”, Mozena said, adding that while Bangladesh has already taken a number of steps to improve workplace environment, it will need to take some more initiatives to fulfill the remaining conditions.
Meanwhile, emerging from the meeting, the commerce minister said he is hopeful for reinstatement of the GSP to the US market by June as Bangladesh government has already significantly improved fire safety and workers’ rights situation, two major requirement of the apparel retailers.
The minister also said a high-profile delegation comprising of public and private members will arrive in Dhaka on April 6 to hold first meeting of Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (TICFA) to discuss the bilateral trade and investment issues.
The Obama administration suspended Bangladesh's GSP status on June 27, 2013 citing serious shortcomings in safety standards and workers' rights in the factories, especially in the garment sector.