France, an influential member of the European Union, believes the trade benefits enjoyed by Bangladesh in EU market under GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) should not be suspended or withdrawn. “We are convinced that the GSP facility that Bangladesh benefits in its economic relations with the European Union is an incentive to undertake the necessary reforms as soonas possible and according to a precise roadmap,” French Ambassador to Dhaka Michel Trinquier said in a message on the occasion of France’s National Day that falls on July 14.
“Taking into account the efforts undertaken so far by the Government of Bangladesh, in our opinion, it should not be suspended or withdrawn,” he added.
The Ambassador also expressed his optimism that there would be a fruitful dialogue among all parties to hold the next election in free, fair and credible manners.
“Bangladesh is heading towards a significant period of its political history, with the upcoming general election. We strongly hope that all the parties will be able to hold a fruitful dialogue, which would allow holding free, fair and credible elections,” he said.
Describing the Rana Plaza tragedy as terrible, Trinquier said, “With the help of foreign countries, and the expertise of ILO, we are confident that the necessary reforms will be undertaken by the Bangladeshi authorities in order to put the country legislation in line with the international standard set in labour law.”
On bilateral relationship between Dhaka and Paris, the envoy said that it was developing harmoniously.
“On many international issues, such as multilateralism, diversity of culture, protection of the environment, both our countries’ share the same views,” he said.
“France greatly appreciates Bangladesh’s foreign policy and particularly its involvement in the United Nations system, and especially its important contribution to peacekeeping operations, where French and Bangladeshi troops often operate side by side,” he added.
France is contributing to the development of Bangladesh by co-funding projects run by the European Union, said Trinquier.
The French development agency, Agence Française de Développement, which resumed its activities in Bangladesh early last year has already signed a $ 45 million to co-finance the Dhaka Bus Rapid Transit System project, he said, adding that as for the future, they were planning to expand their activities to urban infrastructures, water supply and clean and sustainable energy.
Besides, the Ambassador said, “For an export oriented country like Bangladesh, trade is as important as aid, and in this respect France represents its fourth largest market with revenues amounting to more than 1.5 billion euros a year.”
Conveying best wishes to the people of Bangladesh and French community living in this country, he said, “The French National Day offers an opportunity to remind us that the main ideals of the Bastille Day have to be endlessly defended.
“I am happy to remember these values today with our Bangladeshi friends, who so bravely fought for their independence, and showed their commitment in the restoration of democracy that we so cherish,” he added.
The envoy assured that the French Embassy would continue to further strengthen the friendly relations and actively promote the exchanges between the two countries.
-With The Independent input
