Thrust on coordination, research for trade talks

Improved coordination among ministries, as well as inputs from trade bodies, consumer groups and academics, are imperative for Bangladesh's trade negotiations in the global arena, said speakers at a seminar Saturday, reports bdnews24.com. brThe seminar on 'Negotiating Trade Agreements in a Pro-Poor Manner' was organised by the private research body D.Net at the city's Brac Centre Inn Saturday. brEconomist and executive director of Centre for Policy Dialogue, Mustafizur Rahman said the poor in least developed countries (LDCs) were being marginalised in the process towards a globalised economy. brMustafizur, who chaired the seminar, stressed the importance of trade agreements for LDCs that avoid adverse impacts on the poor. brFormer diplomat Md Zamir identified the dearth of serious research, as well as inadequate preparation by Bangladeshi delegations prior to negotiations, as the main hurdles to the success of international trade talks. brHe also emphasised the need for transparency and a focussed approach in the government's trade policies rather than shifting goals. brDr Shah Md Ahsan Habib of D.Net, in his keynote presentation, pointed out that the problems faced by LDCs were not about negotiating the right set of rules.