Consider favourably: Bangladesh to US in GSP review

Bangladesh has requested the US to take “a considerate view” of its progress made within “short time” to improve factory safety and labour rights when it reviews renewal of GSP in December.

Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin made the request on Wednesday while meeting the US Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Michael Froman at the latter’s office in Washington.

It was the first meeting between the two after Ziauddin took charge in Washington as Bangladesh ambassador recently.

During the meeting, both of them discussed issues related to trade, investment and the GSP review for Bangladesh, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The US revoked the GSP on some Bangladesh products in June 2013 after the Rana Plaza collapse.

Later it rolled out a “Bangladesh Action Plan 2013” as a precondition for reinstatement of GSP facilities.

Ziauddin said most of the issues under the action plan had been implemented to improve factory safety and labour rights.

“The few remaining ones are at various stages of implementation,” he said, urging the US to take cognizance of the progress made within a short time.

The foreign ministry said ambassador Froman acknowledged Bangladesh’s “many positive steps” to ensure safety and security of the workers and upholding their rights within the country's legal system.

However, he stressed on the full implementation of the Action Plan 2013 for ensuring the benefits and upholding the rights of all the workers.

He also stressed on fair labour practices in Bangladesh.

They agreed that both sides should continue to work together in the coming days to resolve the bilateral trade related issues, including the GSP reinstatement.