France optimistic of GSP+ return to SL

By Shanika Sriyananda

France is optimistic Sri Lanka will retrieve the preferential tariff system GSP Plus this year following its dedication to addressing human rights issues, which is a key prerequisite to regaining the facility.

“We welcome Sri Lanka’s wish to formally request the GSP Plus benefit. Sri Lanka needs to comply with a number of requirements including compliance with international conventions on human rights,” France Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Jean-Marin Schuh told the Daily FT.

France will support the efforts of the Sri Lankan Government to resume preferential trading with the EU.

 “We hope this issue will be settled soon and the dialogue on human rights with the EU will resume shortly,” he said.

Ambassador Schuh was also confident regarding the removal of the EU ban on fisheries, expressing the view Sri Lanka would shortly get the benefits of exporting fish and seafood to EU countries again.

In addition bilateral trade between the two nations would increase by $ 150 million this year.

“In 2014, the total bilateral trade amounted to more than $ 600 million and this year it will reach almost $ 750 million. This is not enough and this has to be developed, in both ways,” he added.

The Ambassador said that garments, textiles, mineral, rubber, spices and tea were exported from Sri Lanka and there was room for improvement in the bilateral trade between France and Sri Lanka.