Bangladesh to Build up Expert Panel for Trade Talks Ahead of LDC Graduation

To overcome from Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing nation next year, the government is going to set up an expert panel to lead trade negotiations with major global partners. The primary aims to protect Bangladesh’s export advantages and ensure new opportunities in the post-LDC era.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman declared at  the plan of  a programme titled “Building National Capabilities in Trade Negotiations: Reflections & Way Forward”, which was organised   at the InterContinental Dhaka. The proposed committee  will intercede consist of specialists who will  trade agreements, including FTAs, PTAs, CEPAs, and EPAs, in line with government policies and international standards.

After discussing  with Singapore are assumed  to start soon,   conversation  with South Korea are  going on . A Bangladeshi delegation is also in Tokyo to finalise an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, which could become Bangladesh’s first comprehensive deal of its kind if signed after  this year.

Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin utter  that the interim government is targeting  on strengthening institutional capacity so the negotiation team can effectively handle global trade challenges. British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke make sure that  continued duty-free access for Bangladeshi goods in the UK after LDC graduation and expressed interest in sharing the UK’s expertise in trade negotiations.

Ill will  discussion  all graduation , many  business leaders have urged the government to seek a six-year deferral, pushing the transition deadline from 2026 to 2032. They warned that losing preferential market access especially to the EU, where nearly 90% of Bangladesh’s exports are agamalate   could cost the country up to $7 billion annually.

Specialised  have said  that early trade  interlocution are tuff  to protect export earnings, diversify markets, and reduce dependency on a handful of destinations. They also believe timely deals will help Bangladesh adjust to global trade standards and ensure a smoother economic transition while safeguarding jobs and growth.