Dhaka, Mar 04 (V7N) — Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has expressed his intention to further strengthen trade relations between Bangladesh and the United States, noting that the existing trade agreement contains multiple clauses that could be reviewed and refined.

He made the remarks following a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapoor at the Secretariat on Wednesday (March 4).

The Commerce Minister said the bilateral trade agreement includes both positive and negative aspects. “There is an opportunity to add or remove certain clauses in the agreement if necessary,” he stated, indicating that discussions on potential revisions remain open.

Referring to recent developments, he mentioned that the Supreme Court of the United States has issued a ruling regarding additional tariffs, and the matter is currently evolving. He suggested that tariff-related issues are under review in light of that decision.

The minister also acknowledged the existence of certain non-tariff barriers in Bangladesh that may discourage foreign investment. However, he assured that the government is committed to removing such obstacles to encourage greater US investment in the country.

In response to a question about a congratulatory letter from former US President Donald Trump to the Prime Minister, which reportedly mentioned cooperation on defense agreements alongside trade implementation, the Commerce Minister clarified that the trade agreement did not come up in that context. He added that military or defense-related matters fall outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce.

The meeting reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between Dhaka and Washington aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and addressing emerging trade challenges.

END/SMA/AJ