A US-Bangladesh crucial virtual meeting is set for July 29 amid an eager wait of businesses for pullback of 35-percent additional tariff hanging over select Bangladeshi exports-barely three days before its prescheduled effect.
Commerce Adviser of the interim government Sk Bashir Uddin confirmed the latest negotiation date during a media briefing Thursday at the Ministry of Commerce, describing it as a key part of ongoing negotiations to avert an impending trade setback.
"We have a virtual meeting scheduled with the US on July 29. Based on the outcome, we will determine our next course of action," Commerce Secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman told The Financial Express.
He said the meeting will be held at 10pm Bangladesh local time.
Adviser Bashir Uddin also made it clear that the government has not engaged any lobbyist for advancing the tariff-reversal effort.
The Ministry of Commerce earlier had sought a third round of direct dialogue with the United States but was yet to receive a confirmed date for an in-person meeting. In the meantime, the government is focusing on the virtual engagement as a strategic opening to assert Bangladesh's updated position.
"We sent a letter to the US Secretary of Commerce just two days ago, outlining our concerns and expectations. We're now awaiting a response and an official invitation for a physical meeting. Once received, our team is ready to engage," says the custodian of commerce under the post-uprising government. Asked about the urgency, given the looming August-01 deadline, he said, "The issue is as critical for the US as it is for us. Our approach has been proactive and well-coordinated. We've clearly presented our stance and are prepared to take all necessary steps within our capacity." On expectations from the upcoming talks, he adds: "We are hopeful for a positive outcome. We've conveyed our position effectively and expect a constructive response."
Responding to speculations that lobbyists might be involved on behalf of the private sector, the adviser clarifies: "That's entirely a matter for the business community. The government has not appointed any lobbyist. Besides, the US has invoked a national emergency provision in this matter, which limits the scope for any lobbyist intervention."
He further notes legal and bureaucratic complexity of Bangladesh's position in this matter, stating, "There are intricate inter-ministerial legal processes involved, which a foreign lobbyist may not fully grasp. Over the past 15 days, nearly every relevant ministry has worked together round the clock. We are fully aligned and prepared for it."
Addressing concerns circulating on social media that Bangladesh may have compromised its interests in favour of the US, Bashir Uddin says, "I have no comment on baseless claims. Like you, I am a Bangladeshi. Why would I work against my own country?
"If that were true, there would be no need for inter-ministerial coordination or all this effort. These claims are entirely unfounded."
Asked about contingency plan if there is no response before the deadline, the adviser said, "We remain optimistic that we will receive a schedule and proceed accordingly."
newsmanjasi@gmail.com
