Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Abdus Salam Murshedy on Tuesday urged the government to combine its efforts with business community to motivate the US government for passing a new bill on duty free access for least developed countries.
He made the call after a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni at the latter's office today.
US Congressman Jim McDermott placed a bill titled 'New Partnership for Trade and Development Act 2009' in the US House of Representatives to ensure duty-free access for the least developed countries to the US market.
The bill is now under observation by the US Congress House Ways and Means Committee.
After the meeting with the foreign minister on this issue, Murshedy told reporters that the minister is very much positive about getting the duty free access to US market through passage of the crucial bill.
He suggested that the government should carry on a vigorous campaign focusing on women empowerment in garments sector to uphold the country's image to the US Congress House Ways and Means Committee to pass the NPTDA bill.
Murshedy said a high-powered business delegation is scheduled to visit the US shortly to follow up on the bill.
Besides, The BGMEA President said they also discussed market expansion for the country's garments products.
Murshedy said he asked the minister for assistance in arranging exhibitions in Chile, Brazil, India and Mexico to expand the destinations for the country's garments.