Muktadir reaffirms commitment to FTA with EU

He made the remarks during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the Planning Commission in Agargaon, where the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral trade, increasing investment, removing non-tariff barriers (NTBs), and advancing preparations for a Bangladesh-EU FTA.

The government has already made significant progress in addressing issues raised by the EU and is committed to fulfilling all international obligations, the minister said.

"The government considers all concerns and expectations of the EU with great importance, and we are working to resolve them one by one," he said.

Muktadir said the government is creating a more conducive environment for foreign investment by reducing trade barriers and strengthening international confidence in Bangladesh's economy.

He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would help establish a favorable 
investment climate, resolve energy-related challenges, eliminate trade obstacles, and improve the efficiency of state-owned industries through private sector management, placing the country's economy on a stronger footing.

The Commerce Minister also highlighted the importance of close cooperation with the European Union to ensure a smooth transition in the post-LDC period and to pave the way for a comprehensive Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement.

During the meeting, EU Ambassador Michael Miller said the European Union is ready to begin exploratory discussions on an FTA with Bangladesh and has already submitted a formal proposal to the government. 

He emphasized the need for timely reforms, removal of non-tariff barriers, and further improvements to the business environment to facilitate progress in future negotiations.

Senior government officials, including Internal Resources Division Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Ayesha Akhter, were present 
at the meeting, reports BSS.