LDCs to push for concrete outcomes on market access, post-graduation support

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir left for Cameroon on Tuesday to attend the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
At the MC14 conference, the least developed countries (LDCs) are expected to push for concrete outcomes on market access and post-graduation support.
A six-member Bangladeshi delegation, which will include Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, will join trade ministers from 166 member states at the March 26-29 conference in Yaoundé.
Officials say Bangladesh will use the platform to press for duty-free quota-free (DFQF) access, enhanced trade facilitation support, and extended transition measures.
They also say Bangladesh will press to boost international cooperation to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Bangladesh is currently scheduled to graduate from the LDC category in 2026, although the government has sought a three-year postponement.
The MC14, the highest decision-making forum of the WTO, comes at a time when the multilateral trading system faces mounting pressure from protectionist trends, geopolitical tensions, and stalled reform negotiations.
Trade experts say Bangladesh and other LDCs will seek binding commitments rather than broad declarations, particularly on the continuation of preferential market access beyond graduation, simplified rules of origin, technology transfer, and capacity building support.
On the sidelines, the commerce minister is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings aimed at diversifying export destinations and attracting foreign investment, officials say.
The talks are expected to focus on reducing overdependence on traditional markets and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the recent global disruptions.
The conference will be chaired by Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, trade minister of Cameroon, with outcomes likely to shape the future trajectory of global trade governance.
The Bangladesh delegation is scheduled to return on April 1.

rezamumu@gmail.com