'Expo 2012 was well showcased'
Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA
"The USA and Sri Lanka has engaged in continuous dialog regarding the
GSP programme based on the petition to the USA. This is the golden age
of our economic relationship as there is peaceful environment in the
country.
We need to do more from now onwards as Sri Lanka was on low profile
due to conflict.
The Expo 2012 was great and well showcased. I am impressed with the
Sri Lankan capabilities," Assistant United States Trade Representative
from South Asia Office of the United States Trade Representative Michael
J. Delaney said.
"The on going continuous consultation with the Sri Lanka government
regarding the GSP programme is productive. We are negotiating issues
raised in the petition and will be following up the progress," he said.
"There needs to be improved worker rights and it shows signs of
improvement with regard to issues raised in the petition. We will be
taking the final decision in the near future as the on going review
regarding GSP position is at an advanced stage," he said addressing the
media yesterday in Colombo.
"We really value the relationship with Sri Lanka and looking at the
possibilities to further improving the relationship. However, there is
no specific list of items in focus. We are always looking for ways and
means to improve trade relationship," he said.
Sri Lanka should focus more on working environment and policies. It
needs to make further progress. The ILO convention is a good starting
point for discussion.
As correctly pointed out by External Affairs Minister Prof G.L.
Peiris, Sri Lanka has made significant progress in this regard. The
issues will be revolved in near future.
The USA is Sri Lanka's biggest customer for exports.
We can do more to expand the trade base. There are many trade
opportunities available due to end of war and on going infrastructure
projects.
Currently total trade between USA and Sri Lanka is worth $ 2.4
billion and Sri Lanka's exports to USA is $ 2.1 billion while imports
been $ 300 million.
"We can easily triple the figure within next few years as there is
lots of room for improvement in overall trade regime. There is marginal
improvement in the Transparency International Index and we feel this can
improve further to facilitate more trade," Delaney added. |