National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman Meets US Trade Representative to Bolster Bilateral Trade

National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman held a high-level meeting with US Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington, D.C., to discuss expanding trade cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States. During the meeting held on Thursday, both sides expressed a strong commitment to finalizing a formal trade agreement soon.

Highlighting Bangladesh's efforts to reduce the trade deficit, Dr. Rahman noted that Bangladesh has significantly increased imports from the US even before the official implementation of the reciprocal trade pact. He proposed reducing the current 20% reciprocal tariff, a suggestion that Ambassador Greer assured would be considered positively.

Key highlights of the discussion include:

Duty Waivers on Apparel: Dr. Rahman advocated for the removal or reduction of US tariffs on Bangladeshi garments made from American raw materials.

DFC Funding: A formal request was made to secure Development Finance Corporation (DFC) funding to support Bangladesh’s private sector growth.

Ease of Business Travel: The Security Adviser urged for simplified visa processes for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs following the inclusion of Bangladesh in the US ‘Visa Bond’ program.

The meeting was attended by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the US, Tarek Md. Ariful Islam, and Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch. Dr. Rahman is also scheduled to meet with senior officials of the US State Department on Friday to further diplomatic and economic ties.