The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Saturday voiced concerns over the withdrawal of Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for Bangladesh’s exports to the US market.
In a statement, FBCCI said the GSP withdrawal would largely affect the exporters of various items, including plastic goods and ceramics.
“The decision of the US government will lead to negative impact on the country’s export business in the US. Besides, it will lead to an image crisis for Bangladesh,” it added.
The withdrawal of GSP will also have an adverse impact on the conditions of the workers in the country’s manufacturing sector, the statement asserted.
Noting that the government of Bangladesh has already taken steps to improve conditions in the country’s manufacturing sector, including the move to amend the existing labour laws to ensure safety and wellbeing of workers, the FBCCI urged the US government to cancel the decision to withdraw GSP facility.
The FBCCI also urged the foreign ministry, commerce ministry and the Bangladesh embassy to the US to take effective steps to persuade the US government to change its mind.