Finance
Sheikh Hasina PM demands Ireland's support to get GSP benefits in EU until 2032
Dhaka, March 19: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought Ireland's support to extend the GSP benefits for Bangladesh in the European Union (EU) market to 2032 instead of 2029 to consolidate economic growth after LDC transition.
She sought the support when a high-level Irish delegation led by Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, paid a courtesy call on the prime minister on Monday at the Ganabhaban, her official residence.
After the meeting, Prime Minister's speechwriter Md. Nazrul Islam informed the journalists about this.
Quoting the Prime Minister, he said, "The Prime Minister has sought Ireland's support so that the EU increases trade privileges for Bangladesh, especially the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) till 2032."
Referring to Ireland as a close friend and partner of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said that the EU member country has always stood by Bangladesh in various international forums. She requested Ireland to support Bangladesh on the EU platform regarding Bangladesh's interests.
The Prime Minister urged Irish businessmen to invest in Bangladesh's special economic zones and hi-tech parks. Referring to Bangladesh as a potential major marketing hub with three to four billion consumers, Sheikh Hasina said there are huge investment opportunities for entrepreneurs from Ireland in several promising sectors in Bangladesh such as ICT, pharmaceuticals and agro-based industries.
