GSP+ benefits:
Business leaders in France pledge support
Export Development and International Trade Minister Professor G.L.
Peiris had intensive discussions with business leaders in Paris to
canvas support for Sri Lanka’s case for the extension of the GSP+
benefit.
Among those he met were J.P. Mocho, President of the French Garment
Federation, Francois-Marie Grau, General Manager of the Federation,
Patrice Argain, Secretary-General of the Federation of Knitwear and
Lingerie of France and Madame Joelle Da Fonseca, Head of Mission,
International and Economic Affairs, of the Federation of Textiles of
France.
At these discussions, Minister Peiris drew attention to the mutually
supportive relationship between large French buyers and the apparel
sector in Sri Lanka.
He pointed out that there exists in this field a strong partnership
which has included active participation by French companies in
initiatives to raise to exemplary levels working conditions in Sri
Lanka’s garment factories and to promote the concept of “lean and green”
factories which have won acclaim throughout the Western world for
conformity with the most exacting standards in respect of preservation
of the environment.
Minister Peiris and Elizabeth Hervier, Vice-President of the Chamber
of Commerce and Industry in Paris, jointly addressed the Sri Lanka
France Business Group and business leaders in Paris on investment and
trade opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The French entrepreneurs confirmed their complete satisfaction with
the quality of Sri Lankan apparel products, consistent adherence to best
practices, prompt delivery and continuous investment in product design
and improvement.
They pledged their fullest support for the efforts by the Government
of Sri Lanka and the apparel sector to secure extension of GSP+ benefits
for the country.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in France Chitranganee Wagiswara was
associated with the Minister in these discussions.
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