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Published : 15 Sep 2025, 08:42 PM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening relations with the United States in trade, investment, energy and development cooperation, following the recent tariff cuts.
Referring to the US decision to lower the reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports from 35 percent to 20 percent, he said: “We are very happy about what has happened. This is key to our economy.”
He made the pledge at a meeting with Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch at his Tejgaon office on Monday, thanking Washington for its recent support.
They also discussed ways to reduce the trade gap between the two countries, with Bangladesh willing to increase imports of American cotton, soyabeans, LPG and civil aircraft.
Drug control measures and the Rohingya crisis also came up in the talks.
Yunus expressed hope that scaling up imports would open the door to increased tariff cuts and help build a more balanced partnership.
He was optimistic about the early signing of a draft trade agreement, which is currently being negotiated.
“Our interests are closer to those of the United States. That makes this process easier and more promising,” he said.
The chief advisor noted that Bangladesh is taking steps on the 11-point Labour Action Plan proposed by Washington, underlining the government’s commitment to labour rights and fair practices.
He added that the interim government expects more investment and concessional finance in health and education, stressing: “We must make sure the door to US investment in Bangladesh becomes wider.”
Lynch praised Bangladesh’s negotiating team and described the outcome as the result of “hard and effective” work.
He said Dhaka’s early move in February, when the National Security Advisor offered to reduce the trade gap unilaterally, had paved the way for smoother talks.
