Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) on Wednesday urged faster implementation of the duty-free market-access facility for apparel products made from US cotton and man-made fibre (MMF), in line with the existing trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States.
The call came during a meeting between BTMA leaders and a delegation from the US Embassy in Dhaka at the association's Gulshan office.
The US delegation comprised Eric Gillan, political-economic counselor, Erin Covert, agricultural attaché, and Charles Besnard, political-economic officer at the embassy.
BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russel led the discussion, while BTMA directors Chowdhury Md Hanif Shoaib, Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed, Mirza Ahmed Ispahani and Rubayet Haider, along with former directors Md Masud Rana and Rajib Haider, among others, attended the meeting.
Highlighting BTMA's contribution to the sustainable development of Bangladesh's primary textile sector, Mr Russel said the association plays a vital role as a key backward-linkage industry for the country's textile and ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
He noted that the industry is crucial for enhancing Bangladesh's global competitiveness and strengthening export capacity in the post-LDC graduation period.
During the meeting, Mr Russel stressed the need for the swift implementation of Article 5.3 of the trade agreement aimed at expanding bilateral trade cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.
BTMA leaders said the provision offers duty-free access to the US market for garments manufactured in Bangladesh using US cotton and man-made fibres.
They argued that the facility would improve the competitiveness of Bangladeshi exporters while significantly boosting US cotton and MMF exports to Bangladesh, creating mutual benefits for both countries.
However, the association expressed concern over the lack of visible progress since the agreement was signed, saying the delay has created uncertainty among entrepreneurs.
Mr Russel sought US cooperation in expediting the implementation of Article 5.3, finalising the relevant Rules of Origin, and ensuring tangible progress on the issue.
The two sides also exchanged views on expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation, strengthening partnerships in the textile and related industries, and increasing the use of US cotton in Bangladesh's textile sector.
The meeting further discussed the early implementation of the Central Bonded Warehouse facility and greater market access in the United States for Bangladeshi textile and apparel products manufactured using US cotton and man-made fibres.
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