National Security Adviser meets US Trade Representative; Khalilur proposes cutting reciprocal tariff from 20%

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington, DC, on Thursday afternoon and also held a separate meeting with Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch.

In his discussion with Ambassador Greer, Dr Rahman outlined Bangladesh’s progress in narrowing the trade gap with the United States. He noted that even ahead of the formal signing of a reciprocal trade agreement, Bangladesh has significantly boosted imports from the US and implemented several key elements of the proposed deal.

Against this backdrop, Dr Rahman proposed reducing the current 20 percent reciprocal tariff, a suggestion Ambassador Greer agreed to consider positively. Greer also said he would give serious consideration to Dr Rahman’s proposal to lower or eliminate US reciprocal tariffs on apparel incorporating US content.

Both sides agreed to swiftly address a small number of outstanding issues so that the reciprocal tariff agreement can be finalised and executed without delay.

Dr Rahman added that expanding trade is expected to substantially increase business-to-business engagement between Bangladesh and the United States in the near future. He urged Ambassador Greer to use his good offices to facilitate business travel from Bangladesh, particularly in light of the country’s recent inclusion in the US visa bond programme.

He also sought access for Bangladesh’s private sector to financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Ambassador Greer assured Dr Rahman of his efforts in these matters.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States, Tareq Md Ariful Islam, accompanied the National Security Adviser, while Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch and other officials were present on behalf of the USTR.

Dr Rahman is scheduled to meet senior US State Department officials tomorrow.