New Zealand will continue providing duty-free and preferential market access for Bangladeshi exports even after Bangladesh graduates from the least developed country (LDC) category, Non-Resident High Commissioner David Pine said on Tuesday.
The assurance came during a courtesy meeting at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Gulshan Centre between the chamber’s President Taskeen Ahmed and David Pine, where both sides also discussed scope for deeper trade and investment cooperation.
Taskeen Ahmed sought New Zealand cooperation in dairy processing, livestock feed production, farm modernisation, improved cattle breeds, fisheries development, veterinary training and technology transfer, while also urging private sector investment in agriculture, food processing, consumer goods, supply chain management, water and climate management and renewable energy in Bangladesh.
Referring to bilateral trade of $497.43 million in FY2025, he called for higher imports of Bangladeshi RMG, leather goods and ICT-enabled services.
David Pine said New Zealand is prioritising continuity of market access for Bangladeshi goods after LDC graduation and indicated scope to explore a free trade agreement to strengthen long-term economic relations.
“Diversification of both export and import markets is increasingly important in the current global environment,” he said.
New Zealand offers a stable and standards-driven trade environment, underpinned by strong food safety systems and demand for GMO-free products, and expressed interest in building a long-term and predictable trade framework with Bangladesh, he added.
