Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin held a meeting with a delegation from the European Union (EU), led by EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, on Sunday (12 October 2025) at the Commerce Adviser’s office in the Secretariat.
During the meeting, both sides discussed in detail various aspects of trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union.
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said that the EU is one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners and that there is significant potential to further expand trade with the bloc. He added that Bangladesh intends to move forward toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and eventually a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU, following feasibility assessments and trade data analysis.
EU Ambassador Michael Miller emphasized the importance of trade in strengthening bilateral relations. Noting that the EU has a trade deficit with Bangladesh, he stated that both sides have opportunities to achieve mutual prosperity by addressing existing challenges in trade and investment relations.
Among others present at the meeting were Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Cistiaga, Danish Ambassador Kristian Brix Møller, French Deputy Head of Mission Frédéric Inza, German Deputy Head of Mission Enza Kristen, Italian Deputy Head of Mission Frederico Zamprelli, Swedish Deputy Head of Mission Eva Smedberg, and EU Delegation to Bangladesh Trade Adviser Abu Syed Belal.
