Diplomatic Desk:
To further strengthen the US-Bangladesh economic partnership, it is necessary to diversify exports, increase market access and strengthen investment flows, said Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.
The Commerce Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at an event titled “Strengthening the US-Bangladesh Economic Partnership” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka on Tuesday (April 28, 2026).
He said that the US is an important trading partner of Bangladesh and although bilateral trade between the two countries has been increasing continuously, there is still a one-way dependence in the export sector. He emphasized on diversifying export products, especially mentioning that over-reliance on the ready-made garment sector is risky for the country.
The Commerce Minister said that the government is already working to expand the export base by prioritizing pharmaceuticals, leather and leather products, agricultural products, light engineering and ICT sectors. He also mentioned that Bangladesh is progressing rapidly in the ICT sector due to its young and skilled manpower.
He further said that ensuring access to developed markets is very important on the eve of graduation from LDC. To this end, Bangladesh has proposed a 3-year extension and has set a target of graduation by November 2029. He sought the cooperation of the United States to ensure a smooth transition.
Regarding investment, the Commerce Minister said that while US investment in the energy sector has made a positive contribution, it is still low compared to the overall investment potential. The fluctuating trend in US foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent years indicates the need to further strengthen investor confidence.
Highlighting the importance of technology transfer and innovation, he said that the United States can be an important partner for Bangladesh in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the ICT sector. There is also great potential for increased cooperation in the service sector—especially ICT, fintech, e-commerce, and digital services.
The event was welcomed by AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed and the US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen spoke as a special guest. The speakers emphasized the need to further expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
