The trade agreement signed with the United States will strengthen Bangladesh’s economy, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told parliament on Wednesday.
Responding to a question from ruling party MP AKM Fazlul Haque Milon, the minister said the agreement, signed at the end of the interim government’s tenure, has ensured zero-duty benefits for ready-made garments produced using American cotton.
“This will attract foreign investment, strengthen energy security, and further strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global supply chain,” he said.
The minister said the government is giving special importance to economic diplomacy to expand export markets, increase investment, and achieve employment-oriented growth.
“The Foreign Ministry, BIDA, BEZA, the Commerce Ministry, and other concerned agencies are working in a coordinated manner to this end,” he added.
Responding to another question, the foreign minister said alongside traditional markets in Europe and America, Bangladesh’s commercial presence is being expanded in emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates and free trade agreements with Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are progressing, he said.
The minister also noted that opportunities have been created for exporting Bangladeshi potatoes to the Vietnamese market, and initiatives to export mangoes to Malaysia are ongoing.
