Govt. won’t reapply for GSP plus facility

Friday, 15 February 2013 02:16

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)

Comments

-57+16 # C.K.Lankaputhra 2013-02-15 04:50

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

-0+0 # perumal 2013-02-16 21:50

Sour grapes!!

-6+63 # Saman 2013-02-15 05:06

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.

-0+6 # lankan 2013-02-15 13:38

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

-8+52 # jena 2013-02-15 05:15

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..

-2+14 # Dr. Wicks 2013-02-15 11:32

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'.

-2+35 # Rizwan 2013-02-15 05:30

We have Balaya and too much of it!

-1+3 # Mahela 2013-02-15 13:33

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.

-0+7 # Minura Jinadasa 2013-02-15 05:30

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

- via DM Android App

-0+5 # MMJ 2013-02-15 05:30

Fox said the grapes were sour.

- via DM Android App

-31+8 # Lucky Weeramantry 2013-02-15 05:43

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

-3+43 # Lucky Weeramantry 2013-02-15 05:50

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

-2+21 # Lucky Weeramantry 2013-02-15 05:52

We Need Your Vote Not GSP To Survive

-5+26 # Lucky Weeramantry 2013-02-15 05:55

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

-2+37 # Lucky Weeramantry 2013-02-15 06:00

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

-2+33 # Lucky Weeramantry 2013-02-15 06:05

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.

-12+26 # King the Kong 2013-02-15 06:32

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

-0+13 # Dr. Wicks 2013-02-15 11:35

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

-1+4 # Rata Haraka 2013-02-15 11:10

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

-2+6 # Shiffy 2013-02-15 11:37

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

-1+8 # malkanthi 2013-02-15 12:02

Beggars cant be choosers!!

-0+6 # renu 2013-02-15 13:35

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

-0+7 # harry 2013-02-15 14:30

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

-0+3 # Thomas 2013-02-15 14:46

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

-0+4 # niroshana 2013-02-15 14:54

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

-0+3 # Jackmart 2013-02-15 15:02

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

-0+4 # Dee 2013-02-15 15:04

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

-0+5 # Tomsamusa 2013-02-15 18:13

Dont reapply;you WONT be granted GSP.

-1+2 # Mohan 2013-02-15 18:16

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

-0+2 # kali 2013-02-15 21:49

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

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