Duty free access for Bangladeshi products in US market sought

USA NEWS:  Bangladesh needs duty free access to the US market and the US Congress has an important role to play in this regard. Congress should also renew the US GSP facilities in its present form. This was said by Bangladesh Ambassador to USA and State Minister Akramul Qader 5 May at the Capitol Hill in Washington, DC during a meeting with Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) who is also the Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives. Ambassador Qader informed that GSP expired in December 2010 and requested Congressman Camp for its renewal by the US Congress without any amendment in order for Bangladesh to get full benefits in exporting all items covered by the facilities under GSP. Pointing out the importance of duty-free market access in USA for readymade garments in order to alleviate poverty, and empowering  women and citing the fact of expiry of the market access bill named ‘ New Partnership for Trade Development (NPTDA) Act 2009’, he also requested the congressman to consider reintroduction of a similar bill in the new congress. In response, the Congressman Camp assured to work on the issues, especially on GSP renewal, in consideration of protecting Bangladesh interest. He, however, requested Bangladesh to extend support in successful completion of ongoing Doha round talks.Counselor (Commerce) of Bangladesh Embassy  Md Shafiqul Islam and officials of Ways and Means Committee were present at the meeting.