DHAKA,Oct 27,2021 (BSS) - Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today said that
concerted efforts needed to become compliant to avail new GSP+ in the EU
market.
He also mentioned that in the draft of the new GSP regulation, which was
published last month, the European Union has proposed to remove the import-
share criterion from the GSP+ eligibility and Bangladesh will be the direct
beneficiary of this change.
Tipu made the remarks in a webinar titled "Economic Tie of Bangladesh and
Europe: New Regulatory Regime" held on the 2nd day of Bangladesh Trade and
Investment Summit 2021 jointly organized by Ministry of Commerce and Dhaka
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) , said a press release.
He urges all sectors including public and private to be cautious to become
compliant in all conventions before applying for GSP+ facility in the EU
market.
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said Bangladesh is one of the main trading
partners of Europe, accounting for around 35 percent of total trade in 2020
and after LDC graduation, Bangladesh will face strict Rules of Origin
requirement.
He said, Bangladesh should sign FTAs/PTAs with the European Union (EU) and
the UK, which will guarantee preferential market access for export to the
European market.
He invited European investors to invest in pharmaceuticals and API sector
as well as in the high-tech parks and SEZs.
`Scope of European technology transfer will usher our farming compliance
and export-oriented agro-processed food industries', he added.
Managing Director of Mohammadi Group and Former President of BGMEA Dr
Rubana Huq said `we have to ensure our better position in a sustainable
manner. LDC graduation will open up new opportunities for us.'
She also said, In terms of compliant factories Bangladesh's position is
commendable.
`The buyers should also look into a sustainable pricing system. But for
that we have to go for diversification and value added products ', she added.
CEO and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd Zaved Akhtar said
Bangladesh is an emerging market of huge population.
It is been a phenomenal journey for Unilever here in Bangladesh. Per
capita FMCG consumption in Bangladesh is still only $23 dollar whereas it is
$44 dollar in India, $100 dollar in Philippines.
He also said that the demographic dividend is high in this country.
Chairman and Managing Director of EON Group of Industries Momin Ud Dowlah
said Bangladesh's soil is very fertile.
He said Bangladesh is the 3rd largest vegetable producer, 3rd largest rice
producer and 3rd largest Telapia fish producer in the country.
European investors have good potential here in food processing industry, he
added.
He further said, despite we have an agro-friendly policy however we still
need a few policy reforms. But to be competitive, Bangladesh needs agro
mechanization and automation and investment in research and development.
CEO of Grameenphone Ltd Yasir Azman said that in 25 years they have been
able to become a success story in this market. There is a win-win situation
in this market.
The youth of Bangladesh and technology and digitalization will lead
Bangladesh to become the developed nation in, he said.
CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh Naser Ejaj Bijoy said Bangladesh is a
congenial market in terms of financial sector.
There are challenges in this sector but if all these challenges can be
overcome, this market is a profitable one, he added.