Commerce minister announces permanent expert panel under BFTI for trade negotiations

The team is expected to provide critical support in WTO dispute settlements, trade policy analysis, negotiations

The government has decided to establish a permanent panel of experts under the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) to assist in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.

Speaking at the 62nd board meeting of the BFTI at the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday, the minister made the announcement.

He emphasised the need for Bangladesh to become more adept at navigating the complexities of international trade.

The move comes amid intense public debate and criticism surrounding a comprehensive trade agreement signed with the United States by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government just days before the general election.

"To tackle the challenges of global commerce, a permanent expert panel will be formed under the BFTI. This team will provide critical support in WTO dispute settlements, trade policy analysis, and the negotiation of bilateral and multilateral agreements," Muktadir said.

Muktadir noted that the panel would not be limited to government officials but would integrate a broad spectrum of expertise.

The panel will include trade experts, legal scholars, and researchers from both the public and private sectors.

Critics and various interest groups have labelled the US trade agreement discriminatory, pointing to a significant imbalance in obligations.

Reports suggest the deal contains 131 conditions that Bangladesh must adhere to, whereas the United States is bound by only six.