FBCCI to press for GSP at US forum

BSS, Dhaka :
In a strong bid to regain the GSP (generalized system of preferences), the country’s apex trade-body is taking a strong move at a major business forum scheduled for September 24 and 26 at New York, USA.
Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), will lead the move at the high level business meeting, organised jointly by the American Chamber and American Business Council with International Chamber and United States Business Council Forum.
A 70-memebr business team of FBCCI left Dhaka on Sunday with the delegation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to attend the
 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The FBCCI team will attend the business forum and some other business discussions on the sidelines of the UNGA.
“The demand for duty and quota free access of Bangladeshi products to the US market would be raised strongly at the business meetings and discussions,” a FBCCI statement said on Tuesday.
The United States in June, 2013 suspended the GSP status for Bangladesh. The sanction, however, does not directly affect the country’s main export garment as this sector is not eligible for duty cuts under the GSP.