EU tells President AKD positively considering GSP+ review

Thursday, 1 May 2025 02:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

EU European External Action Service Head of South Asia Division Charles Whiteley has stated that the EU has a favourable perspective on the current Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) review process.

He made these remarks during a meeting yesterday with President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as part of an official visit by an EU delegation to Sri Lanka.

The President’s Media Division said Whiteley highlighted the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the EU, which has led to significant trade gains. He affirmed the EU’s willingness to continue supporting Sri Lanka in achieving further commercial progress.

He stated that the GSP+ concessions from the EU are anticipated to encourage Sri Lanka to provide products that meet standardised quality requirements. He further said that the continuation of GSP+ trade concessions is assessed in alignment with the current Government’s policy commitments and progress.

The meeting assessed Sri Lanka’s advancements in executing 27 international conventions related to the EU’s GSP+ tax concessions.

President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for the EU’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. He acknowledged that the GSP+ facility has played an important role in supporting the country’s export sector and economic recovery.

The President further noted that the collapse of Sri Lanka’s economy was the result of a deeply flawed political system, marked by corruption and mismanagement. The President stated that the current administration is working to rebuild the country through stable and transparent governance, though this transformation will require time.

Highlighting a key shift in political support, the President pointed out that unlike previous Governments, which relied heavily on support from the South, the current administration was elected with the collective support of Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities from across the country. The President reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to delivering on the promises made to all citizens.

Also present at the meeting were Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Justice and National Integration Minister Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, EU Ambassador-Designate to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Carmen Moreno, European Commission’s Directorate Policy Officer Director General for Trade and Economic Security Guido Dolara, and European External Action Service Desk Officer for Sri Lanka Galija Agisheva, along with other EU and Sri Lankan officials.

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