The government is giving the highest priority to protecting national interests in all sectors, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir told United States Ambassador Brent T Christensen on Monday.
The remarks came during a meeting at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) office in Dhaka, where the two sides discussed increasing US investment, ensuring transparency in major infrastructure projects and making Bangladesh’s trade environment more business-friendly.
They also discussed expanding bilateral trade, energy sector co-operation and recent policy reforms.
On the floating LNG terminal (FSRU) project, Ambassador Christensen said maintaining a transparent and competitive environment in major infrastructure initiatives would help strengthen investor confidence.
He said US companies are highly interested in working in Bangladesh and stressed the need to ensure fair competition.
In response, Muktadir welcomed US investors and said proposals from US companies would receive priority if they can demonstrate the ability to deliver the FSRU project within the shortest possible timeframe.
He said presenting an effective supply plan within a short period would strengthen their position.
On the import policy, the US ambassador praised several changes introduced in the new policy while suggesting that some provisions could be made more business-friendly.
Muktadir said the import policy is a continuous process and reforms are reviewed regularly to align with market conditions and economic realities.
The minister also highlighted the removal of the previous requirement for foreign entities to appoint local agents for procuring strategic equipment.
He said allowing direct engagement with manufacturers has improved transparency in the procurement process and reduced the role of intermediaries.
On energy cooperation, Ambassador Christensen described the agreement with international energy supplier Gunvor Group, one of the world’s largest independent energy commodities trading companies, as a positive step.
Muktadir assured the ambassador that the government would continue prioritising national interests in all areas.
The meeting was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Abdun Naser Khan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md Mustafizur Rahman and Economic Chief of the US Embassy Angelo Palazzolo.
Both sides expressed optimism that continued dialogue would further strengthen commercial relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
