US Trade Delegation Meets Bangladesh Chief Adviser in Dhaka

A visiting delegation from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), led by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, held talks with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Monday.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser said Bangladesh is prepared to increase imports from the United States. He expressed optimism that such moves would contribute to further reducing tariffs on Bangladeshi goods in the American market.

Professor Yunus emphasized that Bangladesh is determined to deepen bilateral ties with the US in areas including trade, investment, energy, and development cooperation. He thanked Washington for lowering duties on Bangladeshi exports from 35 percent to 20 percent on July 31, calling it a significant milestone in bilateral trade relations.

The USTR delegation arrived in Dhaka for a three-day visit aimed at finalizing a bilateral trade agreement. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mozumder later briefed reporters, noting that both sides discussed strategies to reduce the trade gap. Bangladesh also expressed interest in importing more American cotton, soybeans, and other agricultural products.

Talks also covered cooperation in the energy sector, including the import of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), civil aviation purchases, counter-narcotics measures, and the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis.

Highlighting steady progress in bilateral engagement, the Chief Adviser voiced hope that the pending trade deal would be signed soon. He noted that the two countries share common interests, making the process both easier and more promising. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to implementing the proposed 11-point US “Labor Action Plan” and upholding international labor standards.

Looking ahead, Professor Yunus outlined the interim government’s priorities, including boosting investment in health and education, expanding access to low-interest loans, and improving conditions for foreign direct investment.

Brendan Lynch welcomed Bangladesh’s constructive approach and expressed satisfaction over the strengthening of the partnership. He recalled that during a February visit to the US, Bangladesh’s national security adviser had proposed ways to narrow the trade gap, which helped smooth the negotiations and bring positive results. Lynch also underscored the importance of timely implementation of tariff agreements and import commitments.

Those present at the meeting included Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, USTR South Asia Director Emily Ashby, Senior Secretary for Sustainable Development Lamia Murshed, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and US Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson.