RMG makers seek govt steps to pass duty-free bill in US Congress
April 14, 2010
Bangladesh garment makers on Tuesday requested the foreign ministry for taking initiatives to pass much expected New Partnership Trade Development Act in the US Congress to get duty free access.The bill that was placed before the US Congress on November 18 last year needs political and diplomatic efforts for enactment, president of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association Abdus Salam Murshedy told journalists after a meeting with foreign minister Dipu Moni at her office.
Murshedy said Bangladesh garments sector has to pay 16 per cent duty, which totals $ 73 million a year, while other countries like Sri Lanka get duty free access to US market.
If the bill is enacted by the US Congress then Bangladeshi products would gain competitiveness, which would ultimately help boost exports, he said.
He said that the foreign minister had expressed
her intentions of providing all out assistance in expanding the market for Bangladeshi products especially garments goods to US market.
The BGMEA is working to help pass the bill in
the US Congress and for this a team would visit USA this month, he said adding another team is expected to visit USA this month.
A parliamentary team led by speaker along with some female lawmakers can visit USA to explain the US lawmakers about urgency of the bill. ‘Since a large number of women workers are engaged in garments industry, female lawmakers would be able to highlight the matter to US House representatives,’ Murshedy said.
Mentioning about recent fall in RMG exports, he said in last six months export of RMG marked a minus 6.92 per cent growth due to global recession and power shortage.
The BGMEA chief sought the foreign minister’s cooperation in holding a single country fair next month.
Replying to a query Murshedy said the SAARC countries should explore the potentials through getting their relations closer in overcoming the crisis.
Source: http://www.newagebd.com/
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