EU for substantial progress in labour issues for GSP

The European Union (EU) called for substantial progress Thursday in labour issues for Bangladesh's continued preferential access to the EU market.
 "We've seen significant progress in these areas over the past months but more must be done. Substantial progress on labour issues is important for Bangladesh's continued preferential access to the EU market," a statement issued by EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.
Bangladesh enjoy the generalised system of preferences (GSP) facilities that provide for quota and duty free access to the EU member-countries.
The statement said the EU remains ready to assist Bangladesh with its reforms and monitors the implementation of the Sustainability Compact.
"We will have a fuller assessment of the Sustainability Compact's achievements on its first anniversary in July this year," said the statement quoting Karel De Gucht.
It further said the EU, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the authorities of Bangladesh, responded to the tragedy by launching an initiative known as the Sustainability Compact, joined by the US at a later stage.
The Sustainability Compact outlines concrete commitments. The actions that stem from them lead to improved levels of occupational safety and health and promote responsible business conduct and greater respect of labour rights, with a particular focus on freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.