Choice of GSP+ by EU a ‘technicality’-EU ambassador

The choice of countries that will receive the GSP+ benefit for exports into the EU bloc during the period June 2009-December 2011 depends solely on the countries having ratified and implemented the 27 international conventions required, according to Julian Wilson, EU ambassador in Sri Lanka. The conventions that require this commitment include 16 on human rights, 10 on environmental protection and one on good governance.

Speaking at an event held by the National Chamber of Exporters, the ambassador pointed out that in the reviewing process a number of new countries will be vying for the trade benefit along with countries like Sri Lanka who are attempting a re-run of the benefits they are currently enjoying. “The 29 international treaties are the instruments of proof used by the WTO to ensure that the process is fair and only of a technical nature,” he said, that ‘no love’ or lack of it for the country would be taken into consideration.

He also went on to state that no decisions had been made regarding the choices. However, in light of the current human rights allegations being aimed at the government, he pointed out that the EU has “expressed concern over the implementation of some of these conventions in Sri Lanka”, after the EU Troika visit to Sri Lankan recently. He emphasized his support towards Sri Lanka getting the trade benefits and went to say, “We’ve (EU) given you lots of money. Over 350 million Euros over the years,”, adding that this translated into genuine good relations between Sri Lanka and the EU.

Janak De Silva, Senior State Counsel who spoke at the event explained that the international conventions had been ratified by the government but implementation lies with local legislature and that enforcement of this legislature with the various arms of the state, including the independent judiciary.

The ambassador stressed on the state’s role in getting the benefits, “The ball is not in our court anymore. The ball is in the court of the government that they keep to the requirements,” he said.