National action plan on labour sector absolute key to GSP Plus: EU envoy

The outgoing envoy of the European Union Delegation in Dhaka, Charles Whiteley, on Sunday said that the implementation of the national action plan in the labour sector through revising labour laws is the ‘absolute key’ to the GSP Plus for Bangladesh.

He was talking to the journalists after he called on Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud in the foreign ministry.

"That's, of course, a work in progress. The revision will happen again in September, and we are having a lot of conversations about that,” the envoy said.

He said the national action plan on the labour sector is the key thing.

“That is the key to getting the GSP issue, the absolute key,” he reiterated.

“And we all know what is to be done. So we are working with the ILO and with the government,” he added.

Regarding his meeting with the foreign minister, Mr Whiteley said issues related to the transition to graduation, EU-Bangladesh ties, Indo-Pacific affairs, etc. were discussed in the meeting.

“We are happy that we could build strong foundations in the last three years for these transitions,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is very important in the South Asian foreign policy of the EU, especially in regards to the Indo-Pacific policy.

Responding to a question, he mentioned that Rohingya repatriation, the volatile situation in Myanmar, and the unending war in Ukraine are some of the diplomatic challenges both Bangladesh and Ukraine are facing now.

Meanwhile, talking to the media after the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said four EU countries, including Italy, Germany, Greece, and Romania, will recruit 3,000 Bangladeshi workers.

“The number will be raised based on the performance of the first batch of workers, the minister said.

Bangladesh urged the EU to continue the duty-free facilities after its graduation from LDC status, he added.

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