DHAKA: World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Roberto Azevedo on Tuesday said it can not pressurize rather take initiatives to get Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in US.

Roberto came up with the remarks while briefing the journalists after paying a courtesy call on Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed at the Secretariat in the city. 

He said, “Bangladesh is advancing in economy, Bangladesh is a potential country in the economy; but increasing the quota free opportunity is difficult, Bangladesh has to lot more in this regard.”

“Bangladesh will be given all sorts of assistance to get the GSP as the other countries are being provided with, I hope Bangladesh will go advance through works,” he added.

The minister said, “The GSP is a bilateral issue between Bangladesh and USA, a meeting is scheduled to hold with the senators and the trade representatives of USA on June 10.”

Tofail added: “We want full implementation of the Bali Agreement on Trade Facilitation; meanwhile, China, India, Japan and many other counties have already provided us (Bangladesh) quota free opportunity.”

The ruling Awami League lawmaker also expressed hope that agreements on the quota free opportunity would be singed with Brazil, Chile and Malaysia soon.

BDST: 1735 HRS, JUN 03, 2014