PHNOM PENH: The European Union has partially withdrawn the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme with Cambodia, citing a serious and systematic violation of principles in four core human and labour rights. The EU said in a statement that the partial withdrawal would affect selected garment and footwear products, and all travel goods and sugar. European Commission vice president Josep Borrell said violation of human rights and political rights in Cambodia, freedom of expression and association had left the EU with no other choice than to partially withdraw the scheme. “In case Cambodia shows significant progress, notably on civil and political rights, the Commission may review its decision and reinstate tariff preferences under the EBA arrangement,” the EU statement said. The EU said exports from Cambodia reached €5.4 billion (RM24.3 billion) in 2018 and 95.7 per cent or €5.2 billion (RM23.4 billion) entered the EU market under the EBA scheme.

Source: New Strait Times February 13, 2020 04:30 UTC