PM seeks Irish support to enjoy GSP in EU till 2032

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (March 18) sought Ireland's support to extend transition period of GSP for Bangladesh in the European Union (EU) market till 2032 instead of 2029 to consolidate its economic growth momentum during the LDC post-graduation period.

The premier sought this support when a high-level Irish delegation, led by Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, paid a courtesy call on her at the latter's official residence Ganabhaban, reports BSS.

PM's Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.

"The Prime Minister sought Ireland's support so the EU would extend the business facilities, particularly the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for Bangladesh till 2032," said Nazrul Islam quoting the premier as saying.

Mentioning Ireland as a close friend and partner of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said that the EU member country has always been beside Bangladesh in different international forums.

She requested Ireland to support Bangladesh in the matter of Bangladesh's interest in the EU Platform.
The PM called upon the Irish businessmen to make investments in special economic zones and hi-tech parks of Bangladesh.

Highlighting that Bangladesh is a potential big marketing hub for three to four billion consumers, she said there is huge scope for Ireland's entrepreneurs to invest in several promising sectors like ICT, pharmaceuticals and agro-based industry of Bangladesh.

In case of the labour issue, Sheikh Hasina said misinformation regarding Bangladesh's labour issue is spread with ill-motiveness. There'll be no misunderstanding in this issue if the EU countries directly contact the government of Bangladesh to know about it, she added.

The Irish Minister said that he arrived in the country to strengthen the bilateral relations between Ireland and Bangladesh further.

Mentioning that he is here to formally open Ireland's first honorary consulate in Dhaka, the Irish Minister said that the office would also help intensify the people-to-people and trade relations between the two countries.