Colombo, Jan 6 (NIA) – Sri Lanka’s President, Maithripala Sirisena, on Friday said the island country will receive the GSP Plus trade concession from the EU next week, marking a significant turning point in the industry and export fields of the country.
Speaking at a ceremony in Kandy, in the Central Highlands, Sirisena said during the last two years the government was able to build its friendship with all the countries in the world, eliminating many hindrances which halted the forward drive of the island.
Sirisena also said his government was not ready in any way to launch mega-scale development projects obtaining loans, aiming popularity while ruining the future of the country.
“We should take into the consideration about the tragedies faced by various countries in the world due to their severe debt burden,” the President said.
“We should take into the consideration about the tragedies faced by various countries in the world due to their severe debt burden,” the President said.
“Our agreements with the countries, businessmen, investors and international organizations are very open. The current government is honestly committed to the development of the country”, he added.
Sri Lanka lost access to the EU GSP Plus since 2009 over human rights related issues.
Sri Lanka’s apparel sector took a severe beating as a result of losing access to the EU GSP Plus trade concession.
The new government, which took office last year, began talks with the EU to regain GSP Plus and agreed to meet most of the conditions to obtain the facility.
Sri Lanka reapplied for the EU GSP facility in June last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
