Getting GSP Plus won’t be a picnic
The GSP Plus, a trade privilege that Bangladesh can access once the country graduates from the LDC status, will be a challenging task, said Charles Whiteley, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh.
"This will not be a 'picnic'," he said while exchanging views with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents' Association, Bangladesh at the DCAB Talk held at a city hotel in the capital yesterday.
DCAB President Pantho Rahman and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event.
Whiteley said Bangladesh's aspiration for the GSP Plus facilities in the EU market involves a number of difficult tasks that include complying to regulations on human, environmental and labour rights.
Bangladesh annually exports nearly US$19 billion, the largest amount to a single bloc, and it has benefited under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) over the years.
The privilege will end by 2029, but the country can access another scheme called GSP Plus.
The EU envoy said accessing the GSP Plus will require the ratification of 32 UN Conventions. Bangladesh is good in ratifying the conventions, but what is needed is the implementation.
"It's very heartening that Bangladesh is already engaging in that," Whiteley said, adding that it is very encouraging to see Bangladesh's awareness in the matter.
The country is already investing in green industries, which is something great, he said, pledging the EU's support to Bangladesh in achieving the GSP Plus facility.
Responding to a question on the Digital Security Act, the ambassador referred to what they discussed at the EU-Bangladesh Diplomatic Consultations held in Brussels last month, where the EU raised the issue of the act, expressing concerns that some of its provisions risk going beyond the stated purpose of fighting digital crime. It also inquired about certain ongoing trials in this context.
The EU encouraged Bangladesh to implement the recommendations made during the last Universal Periodic Review.
"We're also having a very open dialogue with the government which is important to respect and I think it will continue," he said.
In response to a question, he said there is the UN mechanism of Universal Periodic Review and all states come under watch. Bangladesh accepted some of the recommendations of the UPR made in the previous years.
He said the EU sanctioned many individuals and suspended development assistance for the atrocities committed by Myanmar military, but pointed out that it continues the "Everything But Arms" facility to Myanmar, considering that its suspension may harm the common people.
Whitely said some powerful countries, who have influence on Myanmar, are creating obstacles to putting the required pressure on Myanmar in resolving the situation. "We are working to maintain the pressure [of resolving]."
He said that the EU was deeply concerned over the recent attacks on the Hindu community, and that it is backing the government announcement to ensure protection for the minorities in the country.
The EU wants to see the perpetrators brought to book, he added.
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