EU to review Sri Lanka's access to GSP+ trade concession

30 Sep '21

2 min read

A five-member European Union (EU) delegation recently arrived in Sri Lanka to review the generalised scheme of preferences plus (GSP+) concessions enjoyed by the country. The visit follows the adoption of a resolution by the EU Parliament in mid-June calling on the European Commission to consider temporary withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status and benefits.

The resolution noted the Colombo’s persistent failure to adopt and enact human rights reforms and repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. It was adopted with 628 votes in favour, 15 against and 40 abstentions.

The delegation comprises senior adviser on trade and sustainable development Nikolaos Zaimis, European External Action Service (EEAS) head of South Asia division Ionnis Giogkarakis-Argyropoulos, GSP trade preferences coordinator Guido Dolara, head of European Commission directorate-general for employment, social affairs and inclusion Lluis Prats and EEAS desk officer for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Monika Bylaite.

During its week-long stay, the delegation is scheduled to meet representatives from the government, the private sector, the civil society and trade unions before submitting a report to the European Parliament.

It will assess Sri Lanka’s compliance with 27 international conventions related to GSP+, including human rights, labour, environment and good governance, according to Sri Lankan media reports.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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