The United States has called for greater transparency and open competition in Bangladesh’s major infrastructure projects as Washington looks to expand investment and trade ties with Dhaka.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen made the remarks during a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) office in Dhaka on Monday.
The meeting focused on increasing US investment, improving the business environment, expanding bilateral trade, strengthening energy cooperation and reviewing recent policy reforms.
Discussing the floating LNG terminal (FSRU) project, Christensen said maintaining a transparent and competitive environment in large infrastructure initiatives would help strengthen confidence among foreign investors.
He said US companies are highly interested in working in Bangladesh and stressed the need to ensure equal opportunities and open competition for investors.
In response, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir welcomed US investors and said American companies would receive the highest consideration if they could demonstrate the ability to provide FSRU supply capacity within the shortest possible timeframe. He said a quick and effective supply plan would strengthen the position of US companies in the process.
The two sides also discussed Bangladesh’s new import policy. The US ambassador appreciated several positive changes introduced in the policy but said some provisions could be made more business-friendly.
Muktadir said import policy is a continuous process and necessary reforms are regularly reviewed in line with market conditions and economic realities. The commerce minister also highlighted the removal of the previous requirement for foreign companies to appoint local agents for strategic equipment procurement.
He said allowing direct engagement with manufacturers has improved transparency in the procurement process and reduced the influence of intermediaries. On energy cooperation, Christensen described Bangladesh’s agreement with international supplier Gunvor as a positive development.
Muktadir said the government is working by giving the highest priority to protecting national interests in every sector and will continue to maintain that approach.
The meeting was attended by Industry Ministry Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary Md Mustafizur Rahman and US Embassy Economic Chief Angelo Palazzolo. Both sides expressed optimism that continued discussions would further strengthen trade and economic relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
