Bangladesh, EU discuss trade, FTA, Rohingya issues
Both sides highlighted Bangladesh's post-LDC transition and stressed the importance of continued preferential market access.
Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) today (20 April) discussed advancing trade ties, launching FTA negotiations and addressing the Rohingya crisis during a high-level meeting in Brussels, reaffirming commitment to a forward-looking partnership.
The discussion was held when foreign minister Khalilur Rahman held a meeting with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, according to a message.
The meeting covered a wide range of areas, including political, economic and development cooperation, with a focus on trade and investment, Indo-Pacific cooperation, migration, skills development and labour standards.
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Both sides highlighted Bangladesh's post-LDC transition and stressed the importance of continued preferential market access.
They also discussed initiating negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) to further strengthen economic engagement.
The two sides welcomed the new Bangladesh-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) as a platform for enhancing cooperation and building a forward-looking partnership.
Foreign affairs adviser to the prime minister, Humayun Kabir, was also present at the meeting.
