BD seeks WTO steps to remove free trade barriers

Bangladesh has sought pragmatic steps for removing barriers to free trade in the global market. Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, now in Manila, made the call while addressing the ‘World Economic Forum on East Asia’ on Wednesday, said a Commerce Ministry media release. As per the World Trade Organization (WTO) Bali Ministerial Declaration, the least developed countries (LDCs) were supposed to get duty-free-quota-free (DFQF) market access, said the Commerce Minister. We want full implementation of Bali conference’s commitment regarding DFQF market access for LDCs,” he said. Tofail also said problems have also been arising out of manpower export due to visa-related complexities. “This problem needs to be addressed without any delay.” The Commerce Minister said connectivity is very important for global trade expansion and the WTO has a role to play in improving connectivity and making it easier. “We hope, WTO will take effective steps to that end,” according to a news agency.