EU warns Cambodia real efforts needed to retain trade perks

Tue, Nov 12, 2019
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Foreign

THE European Union’s executive has warned Cambodia on Tuesday that it must make real and credible progress in addressing concerns on human and labour rights, if the country wants to retain its preferential trade access to the bloc.

Under the Everything But Arms (EBA) trade arrangement, Cambodia is one of several developing countries granted duty free access to the EU for all exports, except arms and ammunition.

In February, however, the European Commission launched proceedings to suspend Cambodia from the scheme, due to serious and systematic violations of human and labour rights and deterioration in democracy.

It submitted a report to Phnom Penh on Tuesday outlining the findings of the investigation triggered in February.

Cambodia has one month to react before the commission finalises the report and takes a final decision in February.

“The aim of the procedure is to address the human rights and labour rights concerns in Cambodia,’’ the commission wrote, adding real and credible improvement on the issues of concern is needed in order to avoid the withdrawal of EBA preferences.’’

No details of the report were made public.

On Monday, however, the EU called for immediate action to open Cambodia’s political space, establish the conditions for a credible opposition and initiate a process of national reconciliation.

It said Phnom Penh should free all members of the outlawed opposition and allow them to participate fully in politics.

The easing of court restrictions on opposition leader Kem Sokha was a first step in the right direction, the EU said. (dpa/NAN)

– Nov. 12, 2019 @ 15:55 GMT |

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