Dhaka, Sep 15 (V7N) – Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the United States, particularly in trade, investment, energy, and development cooperation.

Professor Yunus held discussions with Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch at the Chief Advisor’s office in Tejgaon on Monday. Highlighting the recent US decision to reduce the reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports from 35 percent to 20 percent, he described it as a significant milestone for bilateral trade.

During the meeting, both sides explored strategies to reduce the trade imbalance and discussed expanding imports of US agricultural products, including cotton and soybeans. Other topics included energy cooperation, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports, civil aircraft purchases, drug control measures, and the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis.

Professor Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s readiness to increase imports from the US, paving the way for further tariff reductions and a sustainable, mutually beneficial trade partnership. He also underscored the government’s commitment to implementing the 11-point labor action plan proposed by the US and upholding international labor standards.

The Chief Advisor expressed optimism over early signing of the ongoing bilateral trade agreement and stressed that Bangladesh aims to improve the foreign investment environment, particularly in health and education sectors.

Brendan Lynch praised the constructive approach of the Bangladeshi negotiation team and highlighted the importance of timely implementation of tariff agreements and purchase commitments. He noted that the February initiative by Bangladesh’s National Security Advisor to reduce the trade deficit had been instrumental in facilitating smooth progress.

Also present at the meeting were Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin, National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman, US Trade Director for South Asia Emily Ashby, Senior Secretary for SDGs Lamia Murshed, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and US Ambassador-at-Large Tracey Ann Jacobson.

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