Sri Lanka seeks to protect EU GSP+ trade access in Romania

Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, held high-level bilateral talks with Romanian parliamentarians in Bucharest to secure continued access to the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

The GSP+ scheme provides developing nations with significantly reduced or zero tariffs on exports to the EU market. This access is economically vital for Sri Lanka, particularly for its apparel and manufacturing sectors, which rely on competitive export conditions to support foreign exchange earnings and livelihoods during the country’s economic recovery.

During the discussions, Hemachandra met with members of the Romania–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Committee on Industries and Services. The dialogue focused on expanding economic cooperation, bilateral trade, investment, and tourism. The officials also addressed the welfare of Sri Lankan workers in Romania, emphasizing ethical recruitment, labor rights, and social protection.

Retaining GSP+ status requires Sri Lanka to demonstrate ongoing compliance with 27 international conventions regarding human rights, labor rights, environmental protections, and good governance. The diplomatic outreach to Romania is part of a broader strategy to build goodwill within the EU and ensure European legislators recognize Sri Lanka’s commitment to these obligations.