Govt invites USTR chief to inspect BD\\\'s progress

The government has invited Michael Froman, who holds the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), to see the progress Bangladesh's apparel industry has made in addressing the issues related with labour rights and worker safety.
Officials said the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has sent invitation letter to Ambassador Froman through different channels, including Geneva-based IndustryAll, which claims that labour exploitation is still going on in the country's apparel sector.
A MoC official said Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed sent the letter to the trade representative on July 21, as GSP facility for Bangladeshi products in the US market has been suspended for long.
"We are impressed to see your relentless efforts and supports to our Bangladeshi workers' rights. It may be mentioned that we are pursuing shared interests to see our country's apparel sector succeed," the minister stated in the letter.
"Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to invite you to visit Bangladesh and see for yourself the overall situation prevailing in the apparel sector. I have no doubt that your valuable suggestions, guideline, and supports would help us to carry out the initiatives successfully," the letter reads.
The minister also mentioned that local apparel industry attracts attention of scholars and policymakers all over the world because of its robust export performance over the last three decades and increasing contribution to the country's poverty reduction, women employment and combating extremism.
"The unfortunate mishaps in Rana Plaza and in some other places have been a lesson for us, and we are committed to upgrading Bangladesh apparel industry to international standards, particularly in fire and electrical safety, structural integrity and in protecting workers' rights," the letter stated.
In this perspective, the tripartite partners adopted National Tripartite Plan of Action on Fire Safety and Structural Integrity in the Ready Made Garment Sector in Bangladesh (NTAP) last July.
"Furthermore, 'Sustainability Compact' endorsed by your esteemed government was adopted in Geneva on July 8. Furthermore, 'Bangladesh Action Plan 2013' was committed to us following the suspension of GSP benefits. We are engaged to address all the issues therein," the letter said.
"We are aware of the specific measures to be taken as listed in the Bangladesh Action Plan. The government of Bangladesh is intensely and proactively engaged in consolidating its effort to take all precautionary measures. At present, all the actions taken by the government, private sector and stakeholders are being pursued without any interruption."