Commerce minister Tofail Ahmed has requested US Congressman Steve Chabot to support Bangladesh for the restoration of generalised system of preferences (GSP) facility. Tofail Ahmed is now in the US.
The commerce minister discussed the issue during a meeting with the congressman held in Washington recently, according to the ministry of commerce (MoC).
The commerce minister also requested Chabot, who is also the Chairman of the US Congress Sub-Committee on Asia and the Pacific, for granting duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) market access of Bangladeshi apparels to the US market.
Chabot assured the commerce minister that he would raise the issue in the US Congress over restoration of GSP benefit for Bangladesh.
The MoC sent a progress report on "Bangladesh Action Plan 2013" to the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for reviewing GSP benefits.
The legal authorisation for the GSP programme expired on July 31, 2013. The US Congress is considering a legislation that would extend the authorisation of GSP beyond this date.
Bangladesh's main export, readymade garment (RMG) to the US, had always remained out of the GSP purview.
Before GSP suspension, Bangladesh used to export 0.54 per cent of its total export or US $26 million under the GSP scheme to the US annually.
During the meeting with the commerce minister, Congressman Chabot said Bangladesh is an important partner of the USA. He said both the countries are closely working on counterterrorism, climate change, democracy and human rights.
He praised Bangladesh for its impressive social development and economic growth.
Tofail Ahmed also met a panel of Congressmen and Congresswoman consisting of Joseph Crowley who is also co-chair of the Bangladesh Caucus.
He briefed the US officials about social and economic growth, export volume, export diversifications, workers' wages and a comprehensive action plan on the workers' rights and safety in the RMG sector.
The 10-member Bangladesh delegation led by the commerce minister includes Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President M Atiqul Islam, Vice-President M Shahidullah Azim, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General (DG) Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan and labour representative Shukur Ali.
The delegation is expected to return home tomorrow (Monday).
