Bangladesh seeks duty-free US market access amid labour rights focus

The appeal was made during the recent meeting between the Ministry of Commerce and a delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

Leading the Bangladesh delegation was senior secretary of commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh, while the USTR delegation was headed by Brendan Lynch, assistant USTR for South and Central Asia.

Notably, this marked the first US delegation visit to Bangladesh following the 12th national election held in January.

During the discussions, Tapan Kanti Ghosh highlighted the absence of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits for Bangladesh, contrasting it with the privileges enjoyed by the African region even as he underscored the potential benefits for Bangladeshi garment workers if GSP privileges were extended to the country.

In response, Lynch emphasised the necessity for Bangladesh to enhance its labour rights situation.

Media reports underlined this adding recent labour law amendments in Bangladesh were also brought to the table, with the USTR delegation requesting documentation of these changes in English. Among the legislative changes was the passing of the “Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill 2023,” which increased maternity leave to 120 days from 112 days.

Expanding beyond apparel, Bangladesh urged the US to consider imports of home appliances, leather goods, and medicine to diversify exports. Additionally, Bangladesh sought investment from the US International Development Finance Corporation and technological transfer support for agricultural development.

The meeting also addressed concerns about fire and building safety standards in Bangladesh.

The US emphasised the need for stringent measures even as the US side suggested that implementation of these measures could lead to Bangladesh regaining GSP benefits and accessing loans from the United States International Development Finance Corporation.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)