National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington DC on Thursday (08 January, 2026) afternoon. He also had a separate meeting with Assistant USTR Mr. Brendan Lynch.
During the meeting with Ambassador Greer, Dr. Rahman briefed him on the progress in reducing trade gap between Bangladesh and the United States.
“Even before the formal execution of the reciprocal trade agreement, Bangladesh has made major strides in reducing the trade gap by substantially increasing imports from the US and has implemented some key aspects of the agreement,” Dr. said.
In light of this. Dr. Rahman proposed to USTR to reduce the reciprocal tariff from current 20 percent. Ambassador Greer agreed to positively consider this proposal.
He also agreed to give serious consideration to Dr. Rahman’s proposal to lower or eliminate US reciprocal tariff on apparel using US content.
Both sides agreed to rapidly resolve a handful of outstanding matters in order that the reciprocal tariff agreement could be finalized and executed expeditiously.
Dr. Rahman pointed out that business contacts between Bangladesh and the US are expected to increase significantly in the coming days as a result of increased trade between the two countries.
He invited Ambassador Greer to use his good offices to ease business travel by Bangladesh in light of the recent inclusion of Bangladesh in the US visa bond.
Dr. Rahman also took the opportunity to request Bangladesh’s access to DFC funding for its private sector. Ambassador Greer assured Dr. Rahman of his efforts in these regards.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the US, Mr. Tareq Md Ariful Islam, accompanied the National Security Adviser while Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch and other officials were with the USTR.
Dr. Rahman is expected to meet with senior US State Department officials tomorrow.
