He told the media at the SLFP headquarters yesterday (19) that the ratification and implementation of 27 international conventions were the only requirement.
These conventions have been signed by a succession of Sri Lankan governments, and the present administration is bound to ensure their implemention, Samarasinghe stressed.
EU will keep a close watch
The EU will keep a close watch if the government has the political will to implement those conventions, he said.
Noting that it was no easy task for the government to regain the GSP plus concession, the minister said the EU had to be convinced that human rights would be safeguarded and a good political culture established in the country.
Samarasinghe added the GSP plus concession would entitle Sri Lanka to tax-free exportation of 70 per cent of goods to EU countries, including the benefit of a two billion US dollar income within a period of two years from garment exports alone.
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