PM likely to launch GSP automation system

FE Report | Published: March 04, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to formally launch the automation system of generalised system of preference (GSP) by the end of this month, official sources said.
The activities of issuing GSP facility against Bangladesh's apparel exports to European countries are being automated to help check misuse of certificates as well as quick settlement of the facility in line with the demand of the European Union (EU), they mentioned.
"There will be positive impact on the international arena and also on exports, when the Prime Minister will inaugurate the GSP automation system," Ministry of Commerce (MoC) Deputy Secretary Saidur Rahman Selim told the FE Monday.
"We are waiting for confirmation from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for her (Prime Minister's) schedule. We hope that we will get positive response soon from the PMO," he said.
The MoC and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) have taken the initiative jointly to launch the automated system. For the sake of national economy and aiming to build up digital Bangladesh, introduced of GSP automation is very important for Bangladesh, sources said.
Automation in issuing GSP certificate has already started since February 1 as per demand of the European Union (EU). Manual system of issuing GSP certificate will continue, alongside, for the next two months.
Presently, omissions and commissions of the new automation system are being detected. The authorities concerned expressed the hope that the GSP automation system will be fully operational within this month.
The move on automation has been taken to check forgery in issuance of GSP certificates. "The automation will make us more accountable and transparent and also enable us to deliver services quickly," sources concerned said.
At present, Bangladesh gets the EU's GSP facility. The US suspended its GSP facility to Bangladesh due mainly to industrial disasters such as the Rana Plaza collapse and Tazreen garment factory fire.