Commerce Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir met with the European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller.
The meeting was held today Thursday at the Planning Commission in Agargaon.
The meeting discussed in detail the bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and the European Union, investment opportunities, and the removal of existing non-tariff barriers. Additionally, detailed discussions were held on postponing LDC graduation and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the European Union.
Commerce Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir said the government is working sincerely to address various concerns raised by the European Union (EU). Some progress has already been made on these issues. Along with implementing political commitments, an environment is being fostered to increase foreign investment, reduce trade barriers, and further strengthen the confidence of international partners in the economy.
The Commerce Minister said the government is considering all EU concerns and expectations seriously and is working to resolve them one by one. The government is giving utmost importance to conveying the message that Bangladesh is fully capable of keeping its commitments to international partners.
Khondaker Abdul Muktadir said he expects that a favorable environment for foreign investment in the country will be fully created, trade barriers will be removed, the energy crisis will be resolved, and state-owned industries will be run under efficient private management. He expressed optimism that through these reforms, Bangladesh's economy will stand on a stronger foundation.
European Union Ambassador Michael Miller said the relationship between Bangladesh and the European Union is at a critical juncture in the context of LDC graduation. He informed that the EU is ready to start exploratory discussions on a Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a proposal has been given to Bangladesh in this regard. He emphasized taking swift and specific steps to remove non-tariff trade barriers (NTBs), further improve the business environment, and ensure the smooth continuation of trade benefits in the post-LDC period.
The Ambassador further said that if timely necessary reforms and preparations are completed, positive progress will be possible in advancing the Bangladesh-EU FTA negotiations.
Present at the meeting were Internal Resources Division Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary Ayesha Akhter, and other senior officials of the ministry.
