The United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen, held a high-level meeting with the President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan, and members of its board at the BGMEA Complex in the capital on Sunday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed various aspects of bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States, US investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector, labour-related issues, and the expansion of broader economic cooperation.
Members of the US delegation included Labour Attaché Lina Khan, Agriculture Attaché Erin Covert, Commercial Attaché Paul Frost, Political and Economic Officer Srini Seetharam, and labour expert Saifuzzaman Mehrab.
The BGMEA side was led by its President Mahmud Hasan Khan. Others who joined the discussion included Senior Vice-President Enamul Haq Khan, Vice-President Md. Rezaul Selim, Vice-President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan and Vice-President Md. Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, said a press release.
During the meeting, BGMEA requested clarification on the mechanism of duty concessions for garments produced using US cotton. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said the initiative would further strengthen mutual cooperation between the apparel and textile sectors of the two countries.
In response, Ambassador Christensen said the matter is currently being examined by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). He added that the recent trade arrangement is very positive for Bangladesh and that Bangladesh is the first country to receive this special opportunity. He expressed hope that it would increase US cotton exports to Bangladesh.
BGMEA Senior Vice-President Enamul Haq Khan also raised the issue of business uncertainties caused by frequent tariff changes in recent times. Ambassador Christensen explained that the situation emerged following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States. He expressed optimism that the complexities would soon be resolved and stability would return to tariff-related matters.
During the discussion, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the importance of US investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector to meet the growing demand of the country’s expanding industrial base. He noted that, as a short-term solution, investment in LNG infrastructure is needed, while in the long term US technology and investment could help increase domestic gas exploration and production.
Ambassador Christensen responded positively, saying that US investors would be more interested in investing in Bangladesh’s energy sector if a long-term and stable energy policy is formulated.
The meeting also discussed Bangladesh’s labour law and the new labour ordinance. Ambassador Christensen said labour sector reform remains a longstanding and important issue in Bangladesh–US trade relations.
The BGMEA president said discussions are ongoing regarding the proposed labour ordinance covering 145 specific points and further clarification is required in some areas to ensure transparency.
BGMEA also proposed relaxing visa bond requirements and providing long-term visas for garment entrepreneurs.
During the meeting, BGMEA Director Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz highlighted that Bangladesh now has the highest number of LEED-certified green garment factories in the world under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). He noted that the United States could play a greater role in supporting the sustainable development of the sector.
In response, the US ambassador suggested engaging American brands and buyer companies more closely to help achieve this goal.
Senior officials of BGMEA and representatives from the US Embassy were also present at the meeting. Both sides agreed to work together to elevate the economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States to a new level.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
