A delegation from Bangladesh led by Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Principal Secretary to the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, called on Mr. Maximilian Krah, Member of European Parliament, in Brussels on March 30.

The delegation included BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, Commerce Secretary of Bangladesh Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Bangladesh Ambassador to Belgium Mahbub Hassan Saleh, Deputy Head of Mission Preeti Rahman, former President of MCCI Nihad Kabir, and Commercial Counsellor Md. Saiful Azam. 

They had discussions about different trade-related issues including challenges of Bangladesh, especially the graduation of the country from the LDC category, its possible implications on the trade competitiveness and the overall economy. 

The discussion also covered the issue of Bangladesh’s preparedness to continue the growth momentum in the post-LDC era.

The Bangladesh delegation requested the EU through the EU Parliament member to consider an extension of the transition period of GSP (EBA) from 3 years now to 6 years for ensuring smoother graduation.

They also urged the EU to waive the EU's safeguard textile threshold criteria or redesign the mechanism for Bangladesh in the proposed GSP scheme for 2024-2034 so that Bangladesh could benefit from GSP Plus after the LDC graduation. 

In the meeting, Faruque Hassan apprised Mr. Maximilian Krah, MEP of the present situation of the RMG industry including its progress in workplace safety as well as in social and environmental compliances.

Terming the EU a longstanding friend of Bangladesh, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said the EU has assisted the country to boost its trade especially through granting GSP and also to address various challenges on the way to development.

He expressed hope that the support would continue for Bangladesh in the coming days.