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Published : 29 Apr 2026, 02:41 AM
The United States-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) is not a list of demands from Washington but a shared commitment to the future of both countries, US Ambassador Brent Christensen has said.
Speaking at a high-level luncheon and policy dialogue organised by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Dhaka on Tuesday, the ambassador defended the trade framework amid ongoing debate over its terms.
“The ART is not a list of demands from the United States. It is a shared commitment to Bangladesh’s future,” he said, adding that the agreement should be seen as a foundation for expanding economic partnership.
According to Christensen, the agreement, if fully implemented, will help deepen trade ties and unlock Bangladesh’s economic potential, while also encouraging reforms in the business environment.
He said the US approach was shifting towards investment-led engagement rather than assistance-driven ties.
He also highlighted broader commercial cooperation, saying the agreement aimed to strengthen supply chains, improve market access and promote mutual economic gains.
In his words, both governments had committed to advancing reforms under the framework, including improving transparency, regulatory efficiency and investment conditions.
Referring to implementation priorities, he said progress would require legislative and regulatory steps in Bangladesh alongside administrative reforms.
These include simplifying business procedures, strengthening customs processes, ensuring predictable policies and creating investor-friendly systems, he said.
The United States, he continued, was ready to work with Bangladesh at every stage to help implement the agreement and expand commercial cooperation.
The event also recalled the contribution of Forrest Cookson, the first president of AmCham Bangladesh, with the envoy observing a moment of remembrance at the start of his speech.
Purchasing $3.5bn Agro Products
Detailing the deal, Ambassador Christensen said: “Let me share the concrete steps Bangladesh has committed to besides improving the treatment of US exports in general: Bangladesh has committed to purchasing $3.5 billion in US agricultural products—wheat, soy, cotton, and corn.
“These are high quality US commodities, which the Bangladesh government and private buyers have assured us are of outstanding quality which makes them high value purchases,” he added.
“The press and pundits like to focus on the price, but experts focus on things like quality and protein content. You get what you pay for,” said the envoy.
Energy Boost
The agreement, Christensen said, also commits Bangladesh to $15 billion in energy products over the next 15 years.
The costs that would be met by simply continuing the current rate of LPG from the US, he said.
“These aren't aid packages; these are commercial deals that create jobs and opportunities in both our countries,” he said.
Hinting at the fuel crisis in the country, the envoy said: “We have already identified new opportunities to provide Bangladesh with energy during the crunch caused by Iran’s decision to stifle trade through the Straits of Hormuz.”
He said the US is ready to help Bangladesh diversify its energy sources further, build reliable and affordable energy infrastructure, and provide his country’s technology and expertise in all types of energy including advanced nuclear power.
Upgrading Business Climate
The US ambassador recounted that Bangladesh has also made commitments in the ART to improve the business climate.
“It’s not a secret Bangladesh has long been a very tough place to do business. You all live this every day. And I am not just talking to American or foreign companies,” he said.
Local companies have also long called for the reforms in the trade deal, Christensen said.
Pledges to Work Together
The agreement commits Bangladesh to important reforms, including prohibiting imports of goods made with forced labour and bolstering the enforcement of relevant law.
“These aren’t just American demands; they’re the standards that will make Bangladesh more competitive globally,” he said.
“As the US ambassador, together with the embassy team, I am committed to work with you on implementing these reforms to unleash the true potential of US-Bangladeshi trade.”
Exploring Digital Potentials
Referring to the vast digital subscription in Bangladesh, he said Starlink, Google Pay, Oracle, Microsoft, and Augmedix – all US firms -- have already begun services in the country.
“We can work together to help Bangladesh build trusted digital infrastructure that connects rural areas to global markets, enables e-commerce, and creates opportunities for your tech startups and innovators, creating the kinds of high paying jobs that are key to the modern economy, and to meeting the aspirations of your young people.”
With the right infrastructure and regulatory environment, Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can compete globally, creating high-value jobs and driving economic growth, he maintained.
“Our trade agreement includes provisions for digital trade to ensure Bangladesh can participate fully in the global digital economy and we want American know-how and technology to be your pathway to greater opportunity.”
The Must-Dos
Announcing the US business community is ready to invest, he said: “Now we need to take the actions that will move things forward.”
He emphasised passing necessary legislation to implement the agreement,, reforming regulations that create unnecessary barriers to US companies and training customs officials and regulators on the new procedures.
He also insisted on creating one-stop shops for foreign investors and establishing clear timelines for approvals and permits.
