Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said the government is working sincerely to address the European Union’s concerns, improve the investment climate, and remove trade barriers as Bangladesh prepares for a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU and its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller conveyed the message during a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Planning Commission in Agargaon on Thursday.
The envoy said the EU had already submitted a formal proposal to the Bangladesh government to initiate the talks.
During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral trade, investment opportunities, removal of non-tariff barriers and preparations for Bangladesh’s post-LDC economic transition.
Ambassador Miller said Bangladesh-EU relations were at a critical juncture because of the country’s upcoming LDC graduation. He stressed the need for quick and specific measures to improve the business environment and remove trade obstacles to help Bangladesh retain commercial advantages in the post-LDC period.
“Positive progress in FTA negotiations is possible if the necessary reforms and preparations are completed on time,” he said.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir assured the EU ambassador that the interim government was working sincerely to address the concerns raised by the European Union.
He said the government had already made progress in creating a more favourable environment for foreign investment and strengthening international confidence in Bangladesh’s economy.
The minister said the government was focusing on building a stronger economic foundation by addressing the energy crisis, removing trade barriers and bottlenecks, and bringing state-owned industrial factories under more efficient private management.
“The government is giving the highest priority to sending a message to international partners that Bangladesh is fully capable of honouring its commitments,” he said.
The meeting also discussed the possible deferment of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation and the need for strategic economic reforms to ensure a smooth transition.
Internal Resources Division Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan and Additional Secretary Ayesha Akter were also present at the meeting.
