Commerce adviser optimistic about GSP facility restoration
FE REPORT | Monday, 25 November 2024
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin expressed optimism about the restoration of the United States' Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) facility for Bangladesh.
He shared his hopes with journalists after a meeting with a high-level US delegation, led by Kelly M. Fay Rodriguez, the US Special Representative for International Labour Affairs, at the Secretariat on Sunday.
"We have to comply with labour rights standards as outlined for various sectors. If we meet these requirements, we must regain access to GSP facility in the US market," said the adviser.
The meeting focused on improving the country's labour rights framework, he added.
Commerce Secretary Md Selim Uddin said the labour ministry is now working on improving labour rights issues, enhancing workers' living standards, and ensuring union activities at workplaces.
"We have requested the US to expand trade and market access facility for Bangladesh, and they assured us on these matters. At the same time, they also emphasised the need to focus on labour rights, workplace safety, minimum wages, and other related concerns," he said.
Presently, the interim government has been working to bring about reforms in various sectors, he said, adding that several ministries, including labour, commerce and foreign affairs, and the Chief Adviser's office, are collaborating to address these issues.
He also said that efforts are underway to secure increased duty-free market access for Bangladesh in the US market.
Replying to a question, the commerce secretary said the issue of recent instability in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector was not discussed at the meeting.
However, he noted that the US had assured cooperation in efforts to develop the RMG sector.
Replying to another question about the progress on 11-point labour action plan, he said the labour ministry has developed a comprehensive work plan. The USA delegation has expressed confidence in the plan, he added.
In June 2013, the US suspended the GSP facility for Bangladesh after the tragic collapse of Rana Plaza building, which left over 1,100 workers killed.