GSP Plus good tool to promote trade, build confidence

Sri Lanka has not made full use of the GSP Plus benefits to enhance trade opportunities and strengthen relations with the EU. The challenge of the European Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ECCSL) is to ensure that EU-Sri Lanka trade relations do not decline, ECCSL, President, Koenraad Pringiers told the ECCSL AGM in Colombo.

He said the GSP Plus is a good tool to promote trade and build confidence among EU countries. Pakistan has capitalised on the benefits and has increased its annual export earning offering employment opportunities to its people.

The EU food safety regulations have become a challenge to countries to ensure that all food items meet hygienic standards, Pringiers said. He said the ECCSL is a full-fledged member of the European Business Organisation of the European Commission (EC) and is committed to promote business and trade relations between Sri Lanka and the EU.

The Head of the EC Delegation, Julian Wilson said it is important to strengthen relations with member states to promote business and trade. He said the conflict in Sri Lanka could be an obstacle to develop a healthy business environment and promote trade with the EU.

The ECCSL will organise a one-to-one event titled 'EuropAsia Business Convention 2007' to be held in Lyon, France in April. The chamber will lead a delegation of Sri Lankan companies. The objective of the event is to identify and establish new business opportunities and create strategic alliances among companies in the EU and Asia.