Mozena links GSP revival to workplace safety

Dan W Mozena. Star file photo

US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena on Friday said Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) facilities for Bangladesh might be revived if workplace safety improves.

"Bangladesh needs to take the measures to ensure this (garment accident) never happens again," he said in a report broadcast by the private station Channel-71.

"The first step to ensure that I believe could be the suspension of GSP privileges," he added.

The US on Thursday suspended trade privileges for Bangladesh after a six-year review exposed “serious shortcomings” in safety and labour standards.

The decision will bring tariffs back on some of Bangladesh’s exports to US markets under the GSP scheme, though it does not apply to Bangladesh’s main export -- garment.