Bangladesh, EU discuss FTA early move

Bangladesh and the European Union have discussed moving towards formal negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) to strengthen long-term trade and investment ties between the two sides.

The issue was discussed when EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Wednesday.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation, including the early progression towards formal negotiations on the proposed Bangladesh-EU FTA.

An FTA could provide a longer-term framework for Bangladesh-EU trade and investment relations as Bangladesh prepares for changes associated with its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.

The two sides also exchanged views on migration management, the aviation sector and sustainable development.

The State Minister conveyed Bangladesh’s appreciation for the EU’s partnership and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateralism, democratic values and a rules-based international order.

He also appreciated the EU’s constructive engagement in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, including through the EU Election Observation Mission, as well as its support for the ongoing reform process.

The two sides also discussed the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and expressed readiness to exchange views on issues of mutual interest on the sidelines of the session.

Humaiun Kobir thanked the EU for its continued humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh.

Both sides expressed readiness to discuss the Rohingya crisis during the UNGA to keep the issue high on the international agenda.

The EU ambassador also congratulated Humaiun Kobir on his assumption of office.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-EU cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.