The call came during a recent meeting between the Department of Commerce and a delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Leading the Bangladesh delegation is Senior Secretary of Trade Tapan Kanti Ghosh, while the USTR delegation is led by Brendan Lynch, USTR assistant for South and Central Asia.
Bangladesh supports tax exemption and quota exemption for garments made from US cotton entering the US market. This call was made during a meeting between the Department of Commerce and a delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The United States emphasized the need for Bangladesh to improve its labor rights situation.
Notably, this is the first visit of the US delegation to Bangladesh after 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, in contrast to the privileges enjoyed by the African region even as he emphasized potential benefits for Bangladeshi garment workers if GSP privileges are extended to the country.
In response, Lynch emphasized the need for Bangladesh to improve its labor rights situation.
Media reports highlighted this, adding recent labor law amendments in Bangladesh were also discussed, with the USTR delegation requesting documentation of these changes in English. Among the legislative changes is the passage of the “Bangladesh Labor (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, which increases maternity leave to 120 days from 112 days.
Expanding beyond the garment sector, Bangladesh called on the US to consider importing household appliances, leather goods and medicine to diversify exports. In addition, Bangladesh also seeks investment from the United States International Development Finance Corporation and supports technology transfer for agricultural development.
The meeting also addressed concerns about fire and building safety standards in Bangladesh.
The US emphasized the need for strict measures even as the US side said that implementing these measures could help Bangladesh regain GSP benefits and access loans from the International Development Finance Corporation. USA.
Fiber2 Fashion News Desk (DR)
