Asif Showkat Kallol
‘They are satisfied with the progress of Bangladesh labour standard, but it does not mean that Bangladeshi exporters would regain the GSP facilities’
The review on regaining the US Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for the local exporters might be deferred until March next from December due to delay of review by the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
“We have got the hints after the meeting with the USTR officials in Washington while signing Ticfa,” Commerce Secretary Mahbud Ahmed said on Thursday, after returning to Dhaka from the US visit.
He said the US government suspended the GSP facilities of least development countries for review.
“We also discussed with the USTR officials about the efforts Bangladesh made to improve the working conditions in the readymade garment factories.”
Mahbub said they are satisfied with the progress of Bangladesh labour standard, but it does not mean that Bangladeshi exporters would regain the GSP facilities.
The GSP status has been scrapped on June 27, citing serious shortcomings in labour rights and safety in factories after the Tazreen fire and Rana Plaza building collapse.
Earlier, the US authorities decided to review the GSP issue in December as Bangladesh has already made some improvements in workers’ rights and factory conditions.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
