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Last Updated : 2024-03-28 15:11:00
The European Commission today proposed that a significant part of the remaining import duties on Sri Lankan products should be removed by the European Union in exchange for the country's commitment to ratify and effectively implement 27 international conventions on human rights, labour conditions, protection of the environment and good governance.
Removal of customs duties would be accompanied by rigorous monitoring and conditional on continued commitment to sustainable development, human rights and good governance, European Commission said in a statement.
These one-way trade preferences would consist of the full removal of duties on 66% of tariff lines, covering a wide array of products including textiles and fisheries.
“These preferences would come under a special arrangement of the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences, known as GSP+. This arrangement is designed to support developing countries by fostering their economic development through increased trade with Europe and providing incentives to take tangible measures towards sustainable development. The European Parliament and the Council have now up to four months to raise potential objections before the measures become effective,” it said.
Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said: "GSP+ preferences can make a significant contribution to Sri Lanka's economic development by increasing exports to the EU market. But this also reflects the way in which we want to support Sri Lanka in implementing human rights, rule of law and good governance reforms. I am confident of seeing timely and substantial further progress in these areas and the GSP+ dialogue and monitoring features will support this reform process. This should include making Sri Lankan counter-terrorism legislation fully compatible with international human rights conventions."
Granting access to the GSP+ scheme does not mean that the situation of the beneficiary country with respect to the 27 international conventions wass fully satisfactory.
It offered the incentive of increased trade access in return for further progress towards the full implementation of those conventions, and provides a platform for engagement with beneficiaries on all problematic areas.
“As is the case for all GSP+ countries, the removal of customs duties for Sri Lanka would be accompanied with rigorous monitoring of the country's progress in the area of sustainable development, human rights and good governance,” the statement added.
NJ Wednesday, 11 January 2017 05:42 PM
one of the mission accomplished by Yahapalanaya - Where are the baiyyos now ?????????
Francis Wednesday, 11 January 2017 06:43 PM
Congratulations. MS. RW. And all those who are supporting Yahapalana GovernmentDeepest sympathies to JO. ( JOkers). More to come
Selvyn Wednesday, 11 January 2017 06:54 PM
JO and its Leader MR can never think of coming back to power as things are going to boomerang against them due to restoration of GSP via DM Android App
mike Wednesday, 11 January 2017 07:16 PM
well it took 02 years. if this is the only achievement in 02yrs then nothing to shout about although its welcome. what we need to see is at what cost did we gain this? have we compromised our identity? we need to be clear
Leo Wednesday, 11 January 2017 07:25 PM
We need this. GSP brings not only provides economic development but new jobs as well. It would be great to see the textile manufacturing factories re-open to cater to the European market. via DM Android App
Kadiya Wednesday, 11 January 2017 07:31 PM
JO: "We can feel a migraine coming"!!!
Anu Wednesday, 11 January 2017 08:12 PM
Not quite sure what we lost without GSP . Which means we are not sure what we could gain with it. Hope it's something good. As I have heard from all most top apparel exporters they could survive without GSP , question is will we be proud Sri Lankan's by implementing their 20 odd demands??? We are a proud nation. Preserve the dignity.
BC Wednesday, 11 January 2017 08:12 PM
In Moratuwa alone 6 large garment factories closed down driving most of these poor girls to work in massage clinics to earn an income. via DM Android App
era Wednesday, 11 January 2017 08:14 PM
just as we are getting vw and italian tyres via DM Android App
Dalu Banda Wednesday, 11 January 2017 09:24 PM
Before celebrating we should know exactly what they have asked.
CitizenBrownie Wednesday, 11 January 2017 10:24 PM
International Convention
Jude Thursday, 12 January 2017 09:20 AM
Just for a moment think about this!!!??? For How many years SL was doing with out GSP plus!!!?? Now what SL must do !?? Yeah, find a alternative!!!???
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