ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman held talks with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, focusing on trade imbalances, tariffs, and market access, Bangladeshi state media reported.
The meeting took place on Thursday afternoon in Washington, where Dr Rahman briefed Ambassador Greer on Bangladesh’s recent steps to narrow the trade gap with the United States, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reported.
“Even before the formal execution of the reciprocal trade agreement, Bangladesh has made major strides in reducing the trade gap by substantially increasing imports from the United States and has implemented some key aspects of the agreement,” Dr Rahman said.
In light of those measures, Dr Rahman proposed that the US reduce the reciprocal tariff from the current 20%. Ambassador Greer agreed to positively consider the proposal, the report said.
Ambassador Greer also agreed to give serious consideration to lowering or eliminating the US reciprocal tariff on apparel using US content, according to the statement.
Both sides agreed to quickly resolve a limited number of outstanding issues so that the reciprocal tariff agreement could be finalized and executed without delay.
Dr Rahman said business-to-business contacts between Bangladesh and the US were expected to increase significantly in the coming days as trade between the two countries expands.
During the discussions, he requested Ambassador Greer to use his offices to ease business travel for Bangladeshis in light of the recent inclusion of Bangladesh in the US visa bond requirement. He also sought access for Bangladesh’s private sector to financing from the United States International Development Finance Corporation.
Ambassador Greer assured Dr Rahman of his efforts on both issues, according to the report.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States, Tareq Md Ariful Islam, accompanied the national security adviser at the meeting. Assistant United States Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and other officials were also present.
Dr Rahman held a separate meeting with Assistant United States Trade Representative Brendan Lynch earlier the same day, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said. He is expected to meet senior United States State Department officials on Friday, the report added.
