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US Congressman assures to review GSP

Special Correspondent |
Update: 2014-06-13 07:19:00
US Congressman assures to review GSP

New York: Congressman Steve Chabot, Chairman of US Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, has assured the visiting Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofael Ahmed that he would discuss with his congress colleagues about reinstating GSP facilities to Bangladesh.

On Thursday (June 12), Commerce Minister Tofael Ahmed had exclusive separate meetings with half a dozen congressmen.

 Besides, Tofael Ahmed exchanged views with the most influential labor organization AFL CIO and also met their queries.

In a separate meeting with Chabot, Tofael Ahmed informed him that despite repeated attempts for inclusive election by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former opposition party boycotted the general election bringing instability in the country. 

For the continuation of the democratic process in the country as well as to meet the constitutional obligation the January 5 election was inevitable, he added.

Regarding the hectic commercial diplomacy of Tofael Ahmed, Bangladesh embassy sources in Washington told Banglanews that after meeting with Tofael Ahmed Steve Chabot has assured to reconsider the request of Bangladesh government for reinstating GSP system.

Chabot informed that Bangladesh is very important for USA. The two countries are working very closely in various fields including terrorism, climate change, democracy and human rights issues.

Chabot appreciated the facts of social development and economic progress in Bangladesh.

Tofael Ahmed gave replies to many queries to the panel of five congressmen attended by Bangladesh Caucus co-chair Joseph Crowley, ranking member of foreign relations committee Illiot Angel, George Miller, Congresswoman Meng and Jan Sakosky.

He informed the panel about the envious reserve of foreign exchange, economic progress and several commendable measures taken by the government in garments sector. 

Tofael also mentioned that Bangladesh is going to be a middle income country within 2021.

Bangladesh has become the second largest garments exporting country despite the trauma of liberation war, he informed the congressmen.  

He also informed the congressmen that 80 percent of the labor power in garments sector is women who are contributing for women empowerment and economic progress.

During the panel meeting Illiot Angel, George Miller, congress woman Meng and Jan Sakosky called upon for trade union registration, security of the labors while Joseph Crowley wanted the full implementation of amended labor law.

Though Congressman George Miller appreciated the remarkable progress in labor sector but urged to ensure for congenial atmosphere in trade union area.

Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan, BGMEA president M Atikul Islam and Board adviser Dr. Towfiq Ali, BKMEA president in charge Mohammad Hatem and Charge de Affairs of the embassy Abdul Muhit, Commercial Councilor Shafiqul Islam, Political Councilor Naim Ahmed were present in the meetings.

BDST: 1719 HRS, JUN 13, 2014

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