EU Looking At Sri Lanka's GSP+ Review Positively

COLOMBO (News 1st): Charles Whiteley, Head of the South Asia Division of the European Union (EU), has stated that the criteria for granting GSP+ concessions are aligned with the current policies of the Sri Lankan government.

During a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Whiteley expressed the EU's readiness to continue supporting Sri Lanka in achieving commercial successes.

The Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) is a special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance, aimed at supporting developing countries at risk.

This scheme has provided tariff concessions to Sri Lanka for exports such as garments, fisheries, ceramics, and rubber to nine EU countries, enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lankan products in the European market.

The review of Sri Lanka's progress in implementing 27 international conventions related to the GSP+ scheme is conducted every two years.

Currently, an EU delegation led by Charles Whiteley, Head of the South Asia Division of the European Union is in Sri Lanka to commence this review.

Whiteley emphasized the longstanding friendship between the EU and Sri Lanka, which has led to numerous commercial achievements.

He reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in achieving future commercial victories and encouraged the country to continue supplying standardized and high-quality products.

President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for the EU's assistance during Sri Lanka's economic challenges.

He highlighted the positive impact of the GSP+ concessions on Sri Lanka's export sector and economic growth.

The President also acknowledged that past political systems and corruption contributed to the country's economic downfall and emphasized the government's commitment to transforming Sri Lanka into a well-governed nation, a process that will take time.