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Govt. won’t reapply for GSP plus facility

14 February 2013 08:46 pm - 30     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Despite concerns by exporters regarding the impact on losing the GSP plus facility, the government is adamant that it will not reapply for it, it is learnt.

The European Union (EU) cancelled the GSP plus facility given to Sri Lanka in 2010 because the government declined to implement some of its recommendations to strengthen good governance.  Under the GSP plus, Sri Lankan exporters enjoyed preferential access to the EU market. With the loss of this facility, exporters have been unable to compete with countries such as Bangladesh that enjoy this trade facility in the EU.  

Already, a few investors had shut down their operations in Sri Lanka, and instead opted to invest in Bangladesh.  

A government official told the Daily Mirror on condition of anonymity that apparel and fish processing industries were the worst hit sectors by the GSP loss.  

 “These are products with a small profit margin. They cannot compete in the EU market without tariff concessions,” the official said.    

Asked whether the government would reapply for this facility, External Affairs Minister G.L.Peiris said   that it would not be done.
“We will not do it. There is no such need,” he said. (Kelum Bandara)

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  Comments - 30

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  • Dr. Wicks Friday, 15 February 2013 06:05 AM

    and we can give loans to western countries now, as per ou most intelligent, brilliant, smart, handsome, experienced economic minister 'basil the rat'.

    perumal Saturday, 16 February 2013 04:20 PM

    Sour grapes!!

    kali Friday, 15 February 2013 04:19 PM

    Dont pretend that you wont apply. But say we like to apply but cannot apply as we have cooned the World

    Mohan Friday, 15 February 2013 12:46 PM

    Yes, send more plane loads of female workers to middle east to bring in foreign eexchange.

    Tomsamusa Friday, 15 February 2013 12:43 PM

    Dont reapply;you WONT be granted GSP.

    Dee Friday, 15 February 2013 09:34 AM

    time to leagalize red light streets. at least that will not need GSP+ for patronage.

    Jackmart Friday, 15 February 2013 09:32 AM

    That is to avoid further questions on HR issues, judiciary, implementation of LLRC etc.

    niroshana Friday, 15 February 2013 09:24 AM

    yes no use of applying as IMF & GSP plus no grant any more

    Thomas Friday, 15 February 2013 09:16 AM

    We are in a position to give loans to countries such as Uganda, we are well off & No need of GSP

    harry Friday, 15 February 2013 09:00 AM

    This GL is a donkey and the government is doing nothing to help industries.

    lankan Friday, 15 February 2013 08:08 AM

    there is no such need, bcoz politicians will buy these goods with their Swiss bank black money!!!

    renu Friday, 15 February 2013 08:05 AM

    This nutty Prof does not understand the jobs of poor Garment workers from the villages are at stake. UNP invested industry

    Mahela Friday, 15 February 2013 08:03 AM

    Sri Lanka's new healthy menu.
    Kankun Chop Suay
    Polkudu (Coconut dust) chow mien
    Hunan grass tempura
    Banana leaf wonton soup
    Sweet and sour Del kola
    Dim sim frog feet
    Newspaper wrappers.
    Only to drink Kottamalli (Koriendar) and Suduru (cumin )Tea….. Not the regular tea and coffee due to findings made that Regular tea and coffee are British Imperiel Conspiracy by-products to reduce the brain function of Sri Lankans. so be careful and think before you sip the next cup of Sri Lanka Tea.

    malkanthi Friday, 15 February 2013 06:32 AM

    Beggars cant be choosers!!

    Shiffy Friday, 15 February 2013 06:07 AM

    Doesn't he know even high exports contribute to economic growth?? Oh sorry i forgot! His qualification in O/Ls na!

    Rizwan Friday, 15 February 2013 12:00 AM

    We have Balaya and too much of it!

    Dr. Wicks Friday, 15 February 2013 06:02 AM

    Very true. They say this because they dont get it anymore even if reapply. IMF is not ready to give loans anymore but the regime say we wont ask more loans to please the 'Balayo' & 'Sena' patriots.
    'Bima wetila ambaneta passa peththa anila muhunath rivert karagena inne aeth rawule duwili gewila nahe'.

    Rata Haraka Friday, 15 February 2013 05:40 AM

    No problem. Jeewithey mal, Cheene inna kal. :-/

    MMJ Friday, 15 February 2013 12:00 AM

    Fox said the grapes were sour. via DM Android App

    Minura Jinadasa Friday, 15 February 2013 12:00 AM

    It's that we won't GET. Not that we don't want. The fox said the grapes were sour... via DM Android App

    King the Kong Friday, 15 February 2013 01:02 AM

    Don't apply. We already achieved economic stability due to ongoing development projects. Let the world to see who we are....

    Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 15 February 2013 12:35 AM

    In Future We'll Be Wearing Chinese Clothes And Eating Only Tuna, So Don't Need GSP Which Is Western Power. Now We Are Eastern Powered.

    Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 15 February 2013 12:30 AM

    No Problem With The Fishing Industry, Wimal Will Provide The Balaya Eating Theory.

    Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 15 February 2013 12:25 AM

    GSP Is Not Important Now.. The Need Of The Hour Is To Avoid Further Sanctions.

    Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 15 February 2013 12:22 AM

    We Need Your Vote Not GSP To Survive

    Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 15 February 2013 12:20 AM

    Don't Worry About GSP China Will Buy All Bankrupt Factories In Future. Just Like The Coal Power Plant.

    Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 15 February 2013 12:13 AM

    Yes We Don't GSP As Long China Is By Our Side.

    jena Thursday, 14 February 2013 11:45 PM

    not applying is a tactic to cheat the people.. this is just too boost the patriotism / nationalism for their cheap political benefits,, but they are slow poisoning the country's economy..

    Saman Thursday, 14 February 2013 11:36 PM

    GL say “We will not do it. There is no such need,” he said.
    Yes there is no need for you ....Only poor people and businessmen with their families who suffer.

    C.K.Lankaputhra Thursday, 14 February 2013 11:20 PM

    Do'nt worry China will take care of us. They are our saviors.


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