Post-LDC era: Dhaka seeks duty-free access for BD products in Sweden

Dhaka has sought duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi products in the Swedish market in the post-least developed country (LDC) period.

This came when Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks paid a courtesy call on Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin at the secretariat on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral trade, economy, and investment prospects of the two nations in detail.

The commerce adviser said Bangladesh is now an investment-friendly destination and the interim government formed after the student uprising has taken effective steps to increase foreign investments.

He also said the government has already formed reform commissions for various sectors, with the Labour Reform Commission being the most notable one. A good working environment and security are being ensured for workers, added Uddin.

Referring to the long-standing friendly relations between Sweden and Bangladesh, Uddin said the former can further strengthen the ties by creating jobs for the people of the latter and investing in special economic zones.

He also sought Sweden's cooperation in continuing the quota-free facility for Bangladeshi products in the European market in the post-LDC era.

Bangladesh is expected to graduate from the LDC status in November 2026.

The Swedish ambassador said his country has some activities in Bangladesh and there are plans to increase those in various sectors, including economic. Weeks emphasised the diversification of other Bangladeshi products besides ready-made garment for the Swedish market.

During the meeting, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md Abdur Rahim Khan, among others, was present.

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