United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen met Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) leaders on Sunday to discuss bilateral trade, investment, labour issues and broader economic cooperation.
The meeting took place at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, where BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and members of the association’s board of directors joined the talks.
The discussions focused on strengthening Bangladesh–US trade relations, expanding US investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector, labour-related issues and wider economic collaboration, BGMEA said.
The US delegation included Labour Attaché Leena Khan, Agriculture Attaché Erin Covert, Commercial Attaché Paul Frost, Political and Economic Officer Srini Sitaram and labour affairs specialist Saifuzzaman Mehrab.
BGMEA sought clarification on a mechanism that could allow duty benefits for garments manufactured using US cotton.
Such a mechanism could deepen cooperation between the textile and apparel industries of both countries, said BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan.
Ambassador Brent T Christensen said the proposal is under review by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
The BGMEA president also said the recently signed trade arrangement is positive for Bangladesh and noted that the country is the first to receive the opportunity.
The initiative could increase exports of US cotton to Bangladesh, he added.
BGMEA Senior Vice-President Inamul Haq Khan raised concerns about confusion among businesses caused by frequent tariff changes in recent months.
The ambassador said the situation followed a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States and expressed hope that tariff policies would stabilise soon.
Energy cooperation also featured in the talks as BGMEA highlighted the need for US investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector to support rising industrial demand.
Inamul Haq Khan suggested investment in liquefied natural gas infrastructure as a short-term solution and called for US technology and investment in domestic gas exploration for long-term energy security.
Christensen said US investors could show interest in Bangladesh’s energy sector if a stable and long-term energy policy is ensured.
Labour law reforms and the proposed labour ordinance were also discussed during the meeting.
The ambassador said labour reforms remain a longstanding issue in Bangladesh–US trade relations.
BGMEA leaders said discussions are ongoing on 145 points in the proposed labour ordinance and further clarification is required to ensure transparency.
The association also proposed easing visa bond requirements and providing long-term visas for Bangladeshi garment entrepreneurs travelling to the United States.
BGMEA Director Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz said Bangladesh hosts the highest number of LEED-certified garment factories recognised by the US Green Building Council.
He added that the United States could play a larger role in supporting sustainable development in Bangladesh’s apparel sector.
Christensen suggested that more US brands and buyers should deepen engagement with Bangladesh’s apparel industry.
Senior BGMEA officials and representatives of the US embassy also attended the meeting.
