Diplomatic Correspondent :
Chief Adviser to the Interim Government Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to cementing bilateral relations with the United States, focusing on trade, investment, energy and development cooperation.
Whiling meeting with Assistant United States Trade Representative (AUSTR) Brendan Lynch at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon in the capital, Dr Yunus thanked US for supporting Bangladesh on tariff issue.
“Thank you very much for the support. We are very happy about what has happened. This is the key to our economy,” Professor Yunus said.
The US on July 31 lowered the reciprocal tariff rate on Bangladeshi exports to the US from 35 percent to 20 percent. Chief Adviser described it as a significant milestone in bilateral trade relations.
During the meeting, both sides discussed strategies to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries, as well as Bangladesh’s intention to expand imports of US agricultural products such as cotton and soybeans.
Discussions also covered enhanced energy cooperation, including LPG imports from the US, civil aircraft purchases, drug control measures and the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis.
Noting the Interim Government’s readiness to scale up imports from the United States, Dr Yunus expressed hope that this would pave the way for further tariff reductions which would contribute to a more sustainable and mutually beneficial trade partnership.
Underscoring the continued progress in bilateral engagement, he voiced optimism regarding the early signing of the draft bilateral trade agreement currently under negotiation.
“Our interests are closer to those of the United States. That makes this process easier and more promising,” he said.
The Chief Adviser also highlighted Bangladesh’s actions in regard to the 11-point Labour Action Plan proposed by the US, underscoring the government’s dedication to upholding international labour standards and fair practices.
Looking ahead, Professor Yunus said the Interim Government of Bangladesh expects increased flows of investment and concessional credit in key sectors such as health and education.
“We must make sure the door to US investment in Bangladesh becomes wider,” he said, reassuring the visiting USTR team that the Interim Government would improve the climate for foreign direct investment in the country.
AUSTR Brendan Lynch lauded the constructive approach taken by Bangladeshi counterparts throughout the trade dialogue and welcomed the strengthening partnership between the two nations.
He appreciated that Bangladesh began the process back in February when the National Security Adviser met with him and offered to unilaterally reduce the trade gap with the US.
He noted that this early start had a positive impact on smooth negotiations and the outcome of the process. “You dispatched a tough negotiating team who worked very hard and effectively,” he said to the Chief Adviser.
He stressed the importance of timely implementation of the tariff agreements and the purchase commitments. The meeting was also attended by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, USTR Director for South Asia Emily Ashby, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Murshed, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and US Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson.
