Bangladesh can take advantage of Trump’s trade policy: Speakers

Speakers at a discussion meeting on Monday said that Bangladesh can take
US President Donald Trump’s trade policy as an opportunity.
“President Trump has focused on trade and economic issues, and some
countries are facing additional taxes to access the US market. But
Bangladesh is fortunate in this regard that the US so far has no plan to
do so with Bangladesh,” they said.
The speakers highlighted these at the discussion meeting on
‘America-Bangladesh Relations in the Trump Era’, organized by the
International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) at its office in
Tejgaon, Dhaka.
William B. Milam, former US ambassador to Bangladesh and president of
Right to Freedom, Jon F. Danilowicz, executive director, Right to
Freedom, Dr. Asif M Shahan, professor, Development Studies, University
of Dhaka, Ambassador Humayun Kabir, President, Bangladesh Enterprise
Institute (BEI), among others spoke in the programme. Among others
former Principal Secretary Md. Abdul Karim, former ambassador Mahbub Uz
Zaman, former ambassador Shahed Akter and many distinguished guest were
present.
Lufunnisa Saudia Khan, president of IBFB presided over the event. A
number of former diplomats, academicians, and trade experts attended the
event.
Milam said that he knew Bangladesh for the last 40 years. The US has
investments in various sectors, including energy, but in the last 15
years, no partnership was developed between the two countries.
“Reform and institutional development of democratic practice,
sustainable transaction of democracy will help Bangladesh to develop
partnership with US businesses, government and private sector,” he
pointed out.
He also praised the Bangladeshi people and their sacrifices in July and
August to transform the country on the democratic path as well as the
right to vote.
In response to US investment in Bangladesh, Danilowicz said that
business-to-business connection with the US and Bangladesh will be
important to grow trade and investment.
He also said that US Indo-Pacific policy and other trade and regional
issues will not affect Bangladesh, rather Bangladesh has a lot of
opportunities to develop a partnership with the US.
Other speakers said that today’s discussion is both timely and
significant. The United States has long been a key strategic partner for
Bangladesh in trade, investment, and development.
As U.S. policies evolve, it is crucial to assess their potential impact
on Bangladesh’s economic and diplomatic landscape. Adapting proactively
will be essential to further strengthen trade and investment ties, they
said.
The IBFB is a non-partisan, research-driven organisation dedicated to
improving Bangladesh’s business climate.
As a bridge between policymakers and the private sector, the IBFB
advocates for policy reforms, tackles economic challenges, and promotes
investment.