A monitoring mission to from the European Union will be in Sri Lanka to assess progress meeting conditions linked to granting GSP+ preferences to the island, the Delegation for EU said in statement.
The mission will be in Sri Lanka from April 28 to May 07, to “take stock of progress on the fulfillment of conditions linked to the granting of GSP+ trade preferences.”
“This is part of the regular biannual monitoring to which the Government of Sri Lanka has committed in order to benefit from GSP+,” the statement said.
“Sri Lanka is one among eight low- or lower-middle income countries benefitting from the GSP+.
“This is a special incentive arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance that is open for vulnerable developing countries that have ratified 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and climate change, and good governance.
“The effective implementation of these 27 conventions is monitored with biannual missions and reports.”
The EU has raised concerns over Sri Lanka Prevention of Terrorism Act, which allows to long periods of detention without trial.
The GSP+ allows duty free access to Sri Lanka exports, especially apparel to EU nations. The mission is arriving as US President Donald Trump has threatened 44 percent tariffs on Sri Lanka products.