Sri Lanka expects to get EU’s GSP+ facility in June

Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrema (centre) with EU Ambassador David Daly at the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association Annual General Meeting held yesterday.  Association Chairman Saifuddin Jafferjee looks on - Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Sri Lanka expects to get the European Union’s tariff concession facility known as GSP+ in June next year, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrema said.

In a statement to the parliament, the Minister said the GSP+ facility will be reinstated in June.

Joining in the debate on the Appropriation Bill in Parliament today, Minister Samarawickrema said that the budget has given a good opportunity for innovations.

He pointed out that with the signing of agreements during the middle of next year, Sri Lanka would be able to accrue many benefits.

Minister Malik Samarawickrema further said that proposals to strengthen the rural economy encouraging local investors are incorporated in the budget.