UNDP, UK support Bangladesh in boosting trade readiness
As Bangladesh moves closer to graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, enhancing the country's capacity to conduct effective trade negotiations has emerged as a key national priority.
To support this goal, a three-day training programme for the newly formed Trade Negotiators Pool is being held from July 12 to 14 in Gazipur. The initiative falls under the UK-funded Transformative Economic Policy Programme Phase II (TEPP-II) and is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce.
The multidisciplinary training brings together officials from various ministries, government agencies, private sector associations, and think tanks to develop practical skills in trade policy and negotiations.
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Speaking as the chief guest at the opening session, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Secretary in Charge (Additional Secretary), Ministry of Commerce, said:
"Trade negotiation is a whole-of-government effort. We are also engaging the private sector, academia, and civil society more directly than ever before. This initiative is the start of a continuous process to institutionalise trade negotiation capabilities in Bangladesh."
Owais Parray, UNDP's Country Economic Advisor, highlighted the urgency of readiness:
"LDC graduation will mean the loss of preferential trade access. Bangladesh must be equipped to negotiate bilateral, regional, and multilateral agreements to remain competitive."
Issam Mosaddeq, Economic Adviser and Head of Prosperity and Economic Growth at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), noted:
"Trade agreements are complex policy instruments. The UK is pleased to support Bangladesh in developing strong, cross-sector expertise in this space."
A high-level panel discussion, moderated by Tanvir Mahmud, Senior Governance Specialist at the UNDP, featured trade experts including Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Ferdaus Ara Begum, and Dr. M. Masrur Reaz. Also in attendance were Professor Mustafizur Rahman (CPD), Humayun Kabir (Bangladesh Enterprise Institute), Dr. Mohammad Abdur Razzaque (RAPID), Dr. Mostafa Abid Khan, and Alexey Kravchenko of UNESCAP.
Covering topics such as legal frameworks, trade data analysis, negotiation techniques, and real-world case studies, the training is the first in a series under TEPP-II, aimed at supporting Bangladesh's smooth transition as an LDC and promoting inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
