US ambassador meets foreign adviser to discuss bilateral ties

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday, discussing key aspects of bilateral relations and ongoing trade cooperation.

Ambassador Christensen described the meeting as “excellent and productive,” noting that it focused on strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

The discussion comes ahead of a potential trade agreement expected to be signed on Monday, with Bangladesh aiming to secure reductions in reciprocal tariffs with the United States.

According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, Bangladesh has made “an important step forward” in enhancing its trade relationship with the US, which could open doors for greater market access and opportunities for the country’s vital textile and apparel sector.

Following a request from National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, who recently visited Washington, US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer has agreed to raise with President Donald Trump the possibility of lowering Bangladesh’s current 20% reciprocal tariff, bringing it closer to rates offered to regional competitors.

Additionally, the two sides have explored a forward-looking scheme that could provide Bangladesh with tariff-free access to the US market for textile and apparel exports equivalent to its imports of US-produced cotton and man-made fiber textile inputs, measured on a square-meter basis.

The interim government said the arrangement represents a “win-win” solution, supporting Bangladeshi manufacturers and workers while deepening supply-chain ties with US producers. 

Officials noted it reflects growing momentum and goodwill in Bangladesh-US economic relations, marking a promising step for the country’s global trade prospects.

SH