UNB :
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday expressed optimism about securing a better outcome in the one-to-one negotiation with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imports from 14 countries including Bangladesh.
“The final tariff will be fixed in the one-to-one negotiation with the USTR. That’s why we will have our meeting with them (USTR), the rate is not final yet,” he told reporters emerging from Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) meeting held at the cabinet division of Bangladesh Secretariat.
The meeting with the USTR is scheduled for July 9 (US time).
The Finance Adviser dismissed concerns over weak negotiation skills on Bangladesh’s part, saying, “Vietnam received greater tariff relief because their trade deficit with the US is $125 billion while ours is only $5 billion. So, Vietnam got the better discount in the tariff rates.”
He said the Commerce Adviser is already in Washington and has been working on this issue since he went three days ago.
“We will understand the matter after holding the July 8 meeting which will be held early morning on July 9 (Bangladesh time),” he said.
He also said whatever be the result, the government will take its measures considering the final outcome of the meeting.
Bangladesh expects positive outcome from tariff talks with USTR: Finance Adviser
