Dhaka seeks duty-free access to US market

Bangladesh needs duty-free access to the US market and the US Congress has an important role to play in this connection, Bangladesh Ambassador to USA Akramul Qader told Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) in Washington Sunday, reports BSS. "The Congress should also renew the US GSP facilities in its present form," he said in a meeting with Congressman Camp, who is also the chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representative, according to a message received. Ambassador Qader stated that GSP expired in December 2010 and requested Congressman Camp for its renewal by the US Congress without any amendment in order for Bangladesh to get full benefits in exporting all items covered by the facilities under GSP. Pointing out the importance of duty-free market access in USA for readymade garments in order to alleviate poverty, and empowering women and citing the fact of expiry of the market access bill named New Partnership for TRADE Development (NPTDA) Act 2009,' he also requested the congressman to consider reintroduction of a similar bill in the new congress. In response, Mr Camp assured the ambassador of working on the issues, especially on GSP renewal, in consideration of protecting Bangladesh interest. He, however, requested Bangladesh to extend support for successful completion of ongoing Doha round talks. Counselor (Commerce) of Bangladesh Embassy Md Shafiqul Islam and officials of Ways and Means Committee were present in the meeting.