DHAKA: Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed urged USA for duty and quota free access in its market for the RMG at a seminar at Harvard University on Saturday.  

 He also urged the US government to waive the hefty tariff imposed on Bangladesh’s RMG products.

Tofail made the urge at an International Seminar on the “Globalization and Sustainability of Bangladesh Garment Industry” held at the Harvard University, USA.

While speaking as the keynote speaker at the seminar (Trade and Investment Session), he narrated the epic struggle of the people of Bangladesh and their indomitable spirit which helped them face numerous challenges in its development journey.

Expressing his dismay over suspension of the US GSP, he mentioned that duty and quota free access of the RMG and reinstatement of the GSP will not only contribute to the buoyancy of the country’s economy but will eventually help the country’s on-going efforts to ensure work place safety, among others.

The minister informed the house about the numerous measures taken by the present government since the Rana Plaza tragedy.

While informing that Bangladesh has met almost all the conditions of the Action Plan for GSP restoration, he expressed his optimism that the firm commitment of the government and concrete progress made in Bangladesh will be returned with a positive gesture soon.

The day-long seminar was organized jointly by Harvard University South Asia Institute, Harvard University Centre for Environment and International Sustainable Development Institute (ISDI), Inc as a part of the Bangladesh Development Conference series. 

US Congressman George Miller (D-Calif), US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena, representatives from governments, UN, Alliance, Accord, Retailers, Academics, Atiqul Islam, President, BGMEA, senior leaders of BKMEA among others were attended in the seminar.

BDST: 1446 HRS, JUN 16, 2014