UN backs GSP + bid

Impressed with efforts to rebuild North:

Rasika Somarathna

Sri Lanka’s efforts to retain Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus concessions received another boost with the United Nations promising its full backing during all internationally coordinated initiatives in this regard. UN Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Neil Buhne while extending support during a meeting with Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne emphasized the importance of retaining GSP plus in the context of the ever increasing competition in the global markets.

Buhne said retaining the trade concession was important to both foreign and local investors in the country as well as the national economy.

The UN Chief Representative in the country had expressed these views when the Premier sought from Buhne, the UN view on the issue, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

During deliberations, Buhne also told Prime Minister Jayaratne that the UN was impressed with the scale of development taking place in the country.

He also observed that the UN was especially pleased with the ongoing efforts in the north and east intended at rebuilding the shattered lives and infrastructure.

While noting that the UN was involved in several development initiatives in the country, Buhne said the UN would continue to extend its support in the future as well.

Expressing his views, Premier Jayaratne said loosing GSP plus at a time when Sri Lanka was on a rebuilding process was a matter for concern.

He said the UN too had a responsibility in this regard.

The Premier however noted that Sri Lanka was not prepared to go behind the international community continuously to retain the GSP plus.