Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen had a meeting with the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch in Dhaka on Monday.
During the meeting at the state guesthouse Padma, the two sides engaged in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of Bangladesh-US trade relations, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, report agencies.
The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration in trade and investment.
Both sides expressed their commitment towards fostering a conducive environment for bilateral trade, addressing the trade barriers, and promoting mutual economic growth.
Asst USTR Lynch is visiting Bangladesh as the head of five-member delegation and attended the inter-sessional Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (Ticfa) meeting that took place on SUnday.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has sought support and collaboration of the US government to ensure fair minimum price of apparel and a unified code of conduct for social audits.
The BGMEA also demanded of the US government to reinstate GSP in favour of Bangladesh and include garment items in its GSP programme.
BGMEA president SM Mannan (Kochi) raised the demands at a meeting between the visiting delegation of the US Trade Representative (USTR) and the BGMEA held at the BGMEA Complex in Dhaka on Monday.
This high-level engagement aimed to discuss critical issues surrounding bilateral trade and policies including workers' rights, wellbeing and market access matters.
Led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, the USTR delegation also comprised Emily Ashby, USTR Director for South and Central Asia, and Jennifer Oetken, USTR Director for Labor Affairs. Joseph Giblin, Economic Unit Chief, and Leena Khan, Labour Attache in the US Embassy in Dhaka were also present in the meeting.
The BGMEA side was headed by its President SM Mannan (Kochi) and included Senior Vice President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President (Finance) Md Nasir Uddin, and Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib.
Directors of BGMEA Asif Ashraf, Shovon Islam, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Md Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin), Shams Mahmud, Nusrat Bari Asha, and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on ILO and Labour Affairs ANM Saifuddin were also present.
During the discussions, BGMEA President SM Mannan (Kochi) shared updates on the significant progress made by the ready-made garment industry regarding workplace safety, workers' rights, and ongoing labor law reforms in Bangladesh.
He reiterated the commitment and the ongoing efforts of the government of Bangladesh and of the industry to make further progress in workers' rights and welfare issues.
While the USTR delegates appreciated the progresses Bangladesh made in past few areas in the labor sector, they briefed the meeting about the US government's labour action plan, and areas where further improvements are required, including amendments in the BLA.
The meeting highlighted importance of collaboration and engagement towards making the RMG industry more sustainable.
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