US asked to implement 11 points of labor rights for GSP. Trade Advisor Sekh Bashir Uddin told reporters after a meeting with a 20-member delegation led by Kelly M. Fay Rodriguez, the special representative of the US Department of State for International Labor Affairs, in the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat on Sunday.
Trade adviser Sekh Bashir Uddin said, 'The government is working on implementing the 11-point program including making labor rights more contemporary. If I can comply with the issues of labor rights, I will definitely get GSP benefits.
The press conference was attended by Commerce Secretary Mohang Salim Uddin, US Embassy Chief Megan Bolding and others.
At that time, the Commerce Secretary said, 'The Ministry of Labor is working on this matter. Mainly they are being done for worker's livelihood, quality improvement and union activities. We are all working in the same line. They are here today as part of a routine visit. We urged them on how to increase trade, increase market access from our side. They will play a supportive role in this regard.'
Salim Uddin said, 'The current government has done many reforms, a separate team is working to reform the labor sector. Here, everyone including Labour, Foreign Affairs, Trade, Finance and the Office of the Chief Adviser are working together. Basically they are bringing issues related to labor rights and labor unions. And we talked about increasing our tariff-free market access to the American economy.'
Apart from this, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen had a separate courtesy meeting with the Trade Adviser at the Secretariat today. At that time, the advisor said, 'China has already announced to give 100% duty free market facilities to Bangladesh from December this year. We want to exploit this opportunity by exporting more products. Bangladesh has historical relations with China. Relations with China have added a unique dimension by increasing investment and creating job opportunities for people in the country. The free trade agreement will strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
China's ambassador said, China more products from Bangladesh to reduce the bilateral trade gap; Taking necessary steps to import especially mangoes, jute and jute products and leather. Mentioning that China wants to organize a big exhibition in Bangladesh in July next year, he sought the cooperation of the Trade Advisor in this arrangement.
