Sri Lanka lost markets after losing GSP+ earlier-Harsha

Sri Lanka lost market share to Bangladesh and Myanmar after the earlier Government refused to reapply to seek GSP + pretending that it affected the sovereignty (on the nation) and would lead to a dependency syndrome.
Regaining these concessions by the new government is not only a trade concession but also leads to the fulfillment of the promise held to the people in ensuring the rights of the people and democracy, said Dr Harsha de Silva, Deputy Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs.
He was speaking at the launch of Apparel Industry Suppliers Exhibition 2018 (AISEX 2018) held in Colombo on Tuesday. The event is to be held on May 10-12.
Dr. de Silva said that in a chaotic people’s rights and democracy situation the new government had to work hard to restore them. The European Union was convinced that the government under very difficult circumstances has delivered the promise and this is a duel benefit, one to the industry and enterprise and the other to the general population of the country.
During the election time, he said that those who are critical of the government should not forget that the industry has got this (GSP+) impetus because of the delivery of the new government. He said that all these things the government is doing behind the scenes, are unseen to the industry, unseen to the general public who are critical.
Prof. Lakdas Fernando, Chairman, Sri Lanka Apparel Institute said that the industry reinvigorated by the provision of GSP +is taking every step forward to gain full advantage under the scheme. He said that this is a benefit that is time stamped. As the country develops and reaches a higher per-capita income, they will lose this opportunity, and he said that the time is now to make full use of what is given to them.  (QP)