A high-level trade delegation from the US is set to visit Dhaka for three days, arriving on Sunday, September 14.
A trusted source within the Commerce Ministry has indicated that the primary aim of this visit is to address the 20 percent countervailing duty that affects Bangladeshi products in the US market.
The delegation will be headed by Brendan Lynch, the Assistant Trade Representative for Central and South Asia. Throughout their stay in Dhaka, the US trade team is scheduled to meet with officials from the Ministry of Commerce, including Principal Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
A preliminary draft agreement has been created based on previous discussions with the US Trade Representative’s Office. It has been reported that during their time in Dhaka, both parties will engage in discussions and negotiations regarding various elements of the draft, which will only be finalized after these talks.
Previously, National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman and Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin mentioned that negotiations are currently in progress to lower the 20 percent countervailing duty to 15 percent.
Officials from the Commerce Ministry have stated that if the draft agreement, developed from discussions with the USTR, receives approval, it will undergo revisions and be finalized. This visit is anticipated to further enhance trade relations between the two nations.
