National Security Adviser meets US Trade Representative, seeks tariff relief and eased visa travel
During the meeting, Dr Rahman briefed Ambassador Greer on Bangladesh’s progress in narrowing the trade gap with the US
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington DC yesterday (8 January), where the two sides discussed trade relations, tariffs and business mobility between Bangladesh and the United States.
During the meeting, Dr Rahman briefed Ambassador Greer on Bangladesh's progress in narrowing the trade gap with the US.
"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 US and has implemented some key aspects of the agreement," Dr Rahman said.
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In this context, he proposed a reduction of the US reciprocal tariff, currently set at 20 percent. Ambassador Greer agreed to positively consider the proposal, according to a press release from the Chief Adviser's press wing.
The USTR also agreed to give serious consideration to Bangladesh's request to lower or eliminate reciprocal tariffs on apparel products that use US content.
Both sides agreed to move swiftly to resolve a limited number of outstanding issues so that the reciprocal tariff agreement can be finalised and executed without delay.
Dr Rahman noted that business interactions between Bangladesh and the US are expected to increase significantly in the coming days due to growing bilateral trade. He requested Ambassador Greer to use his good offices to ease business travel for Bangladeshi nationals, particularly in light of Bangladesh's recent inclusion in the US visa bond programme.
The National Security Adviser also sought access for Bangladesh's private sector to funding from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Ambassador Greer assured Dr Rahman of his efforts in this regard.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam accompanied Dr Rahman at the meeting. Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch and other officials were also present. Dr Rahman held a separate meeting with Assistant USTR Lynch earlier.
According to the press release, the National Security Adviser is scheduled to meet senior officials of the US State Department today.
