He said this to US Ambassador Harry K Thomas when the latter called on him and asked the government's latest position on the issue.

The minister while briefing the newspersons on his hour-long meeting with the US envoy said they discussed issues of mutual interest of the two friendly countries.

He categorically said the government will not take any step that may affect foreign investment.

On foreign investors' concern aired at a press conference Tuesday, Saifur said it would be a cause of concern if they withdraw investment from Bangladesh.

"We will have to consider the interests of both the workers and investors," the minister said, adding that the government is examining the experiences of other countries in this regard.

The US ambassador told reporters that Washington is waiting for a concrete decision from Dhaka before scraping the generalised system of preference (GSP).

Washington has been threatening Dhaka with cancellation of the GSP in January next year if the government fails to withdraw the restriction on trade unionism in the export processing zones (EPZs).

Thomas said he does not think trade unionism will hamper production in the EPZ factories.