The apparel apex body BGMEA urged the European Union to continue the existing trade benefits for 12 years after Bangladesh’s graduation in 2026 from the least-developed country (LDC) status.
It also sought support from the EU for sustainable LDC graduation, said a statement.
A delegation of BGMEA headed by its President Faruque Hassan made the call during their meeting with Ms Ewa Synowiec, director of Directorate Africa, Caribbean and Pacific, South East and South Asia, Trade and Sustainable Development, Green Deal DG TRADE of the European Commission in Brussels on February 22.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Vice President Miran Ali, directors Asif Ashraf, Tanvir Ahmed and Abdullah Hil Rakib were also present at the meeting.
Terming the EU a longstanding trading partner of Bangladesh, the BGMEA president said the EU is a good friend that has assisted the country to address various challenges on the way to development.
Quoting Mr Hassan, the statement said while LDC graduation will pose several new challenges for Bangladesh, the country has immense opportunities too and that the EU can play a key role in enabling Bangladesh to tap the potentials.
The BGMEA delegation requested the EU for its support in the coming days, especially for continuation of EU's trade benefits for Bangladesh for 12 years after its graduation in 2026.
