“EU is keen Sri Lanka maintains concessionary access to EU market”

:Bernard Savage, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka tells ART Television.

(October 14, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) European Union says it is keen to see Sri Lanka maintains concessionary access to the European Union.

This was stated by EU ambassador in Sri Lanka Bernard Savage featuring in the ART Television’s “The Diplomat”, a program which tracks foreign diplomats based in Sri Lanka on a weekly basis.

Savage spoke on the possibilities of EU extending GSP plus status to Sri Lanka. He said “The intention certainly on our side is that we have to continue that relationship”

The Ambassador also stated that the EU wants to show its solidarity to the Sri Lankan people and added GSP plus concession is an important part of EU – Sri Lanka relationship.

He said the “GSP Plus Scheme” was designed to help countries who have an outstanding record in the areas such as Worker Rights and Human Rights.

Savage said current EU review on Sri Lanka is done to assess the possibility of extending the GSP Plus status to Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador further told ART Television based on the results of the review the European Union will enunciate clearly if there is any “concerns” emanating out of the report, which needs to be addressed by Sri Lanka.

He said “this is certainly a short snapshot in our long-term relationship with Sri Lanka”. He also said that the EU is Sri Lanka’s biggest export market and EU is also the second largest supplier to Sri Lanka. Savage noted that trade volume between the two nations has seen a vast improvement since the granting of the GSP plus status to Sri Lanka.

The EU Ambassador in Sri Lanka further speaking to ART Television’s - The Diplomat added “Sri Lanka is finally at peace” and said this will help boost the Country’s tourism sector.

Answering a question on what Sri Lanka should do to attract more EU business, Savage said the “regulatory environment is going in the right direction” and emphasized that Sri Lanka can use its highly educated workforce as a key selling point along with its access to Indian market which has a consumer base of 1.2 billion people.

His full interview conducted by ART Television - The Diplomat will be broadcast this Thursday, 15th October at 10PM or catch the repeat on Saturday at 8.30PM.

ABOUT THE DIPLOMAT : An Insight into True Diplomacy. 26 minute program dedicated to one-on-one interviews with internationally recognized diplomatic personalities both based in Sri Lanka and visiting.

Created by ART Television, it is the first program of such nature to be compiled on Sri Lankan Television and commands a large viewership owing to the discussion of varied current issues that are on going concerns globally. Its main objective is to illustrate the deeper issues involved, whilst featuring guest profile and careers. Thursday 10.00PM Saturday 8.30PM (Encore)

-Sri Lanka Guardian