Tofail trashes CPD remarks on WTO outcome

Commerce minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday rejected the comments made by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) over the  outcome of the recent World Trade Organization Ministerial Meeting 10 (WTO MC-10).
CPD has expressed frustration over the outcome of the WTO-MC 10. “The discussion at WTO-MC 10 was not inclusive. Five countries dominated the conference,” Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of CPD, had said.
“There was nothing to be frustrated about. There were a number of achievements for LDCs and Bangladesh,” Tofail said at the Secretariat while briefing the media on the CPD’s allegation.
“Our mission regarding the Nairobi WTO MC-10 has been successful, as Bangladesh has achieved the goals set for it to take part in the conference," he added.
Tofail claimed that even though everybody appreciated Bangladesh, CPD has chosen not see anything positive about the meeting. “CPD does not want the development of Bangladesh and thus it did not find anything positive at the WTO MC-10,” he said.
Bangladesh bargained on different issues on behalf of the least developed countries (LDCs) in the conference, which was reflected in the ministerial declaration. Tofail said Bangladesh could use up to 75 per cent non-originating materials of export items for the final value of a product.
The minister said 48 LDCs, including Bangladesh, would gain significantly from two decisions—Rules of Origin and Preferential Market Access.
“Under the Rules of Origin, the LDCs, including Bangladesh, could use up to 75 per cent non-originating materials in the final value of a product. The decision will accelerate the country’s export products including ready-made garments, chemical and agro-processing products”, he added.
Tofail said the decision on Preferential Market Access would give Bangladesh greater access to the global market. However, he pointed out that the country should enhance its skills to tap the advantages of Preferential Market Access, especially in labour-incentive sectors.
Under the decision of Preferential Market Access, LDCs, including Bangladesh, have got a service waiver extension up to 2030. Tofail was the coordinator for some 48 least developed countries at the meeting. The pharmaceutical drug patent waiver was extended till 2033 for LDCs in the meeting. It will help Bangladesh improve the pharmaceuticals sector, the minister said.
Senior secretary to the commerce ministry, Hedayt Ullah Al Mamun, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Abdul Matlub Ahmed, president of the International Chamber of Commerce, Mahbubur Rahman, and managing director of Incepta Pharma, Abdul Muktadir, were present at the briefing.

 

Tofail trashes CPD remarks on WTO outcome

Commerce minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday rejected the comments made by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) over the outcome of the recent World Trade Organization Ministerial Meeting 10 (WTO MC-10). CPD has expressed frustration over the outcome of the WTO-MC 10. The discussion at WTO-MC 10 was not inclusive. Five countries dominated the conference, Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of CPD, had said. There was nothing to be frustrated about. There were a number of achievements for LDCs and Bangladesh, Tofail said at the Secretariat while briefing the media on the CPDs allegation. Our mission regarding the Nairobi WTO MC-10 has been successful, as Bangladesh has achieved the goals set for it to take part in the conference, he added. Tofail claimed that even though everybody appreciated Bangladesh, CPD has chosen not see anything positive about the meeting. CPD does not want the development of Bangladesh and thus it did not find anything positive at the WTO MC-10, he said. Bangladesh bargained on different issues on behalf of the least developed countries (LDCs) in the conference, which was reflected in the ministerial declaration. Tofail said Bangladesh could use up to 75 per cent non-originating materials of export items for the final value of a product. The minister said 48 LDCs, including Bangladesh, would gain significantly from two decisionsRules of Origin and Preferential Market Access. Under the Rules of Origin, the LDCs, including Bangladesh, could use up to 75 per cent non-originating materials in the final value of a product. The decision will accelerate the countrys export products including ready-made garments, chemical and agro-processing products, he added. Tofail said the decision on Preferential Market Access would give Bangladesh greater access to the global market. However, he pointed out that the country should enhance its skills to tap the advantages of Preferential Market Access, especially in labour-incentive sectors. Under the decision of Preferential Market Access, LDCs, including Bangladesh, have got a service waiver extension up to 2030. Tofail was the coordinator for some 48 least developed countries at the meeting. The pharmaceutical drug patent waiver was extended till 2033 for LDCs in the meeting. It will help Bangladesh improve the pharmaceuticals sector, the minister said. Senior secretary to the commerce ministry, Hedayt Ullah Al Mamun, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Abdul Matlub Ahmed, president of the International Chamber of Commerce, Mahbubur Rahman, and managing director of Incepta Pharma, Abdul Muktadir, were present at the briefing.