Ambassador says reciprocal trade deal a crucial step towards expanding cooperation
5 July 2026, 00:00 AM
5 July 2026, 13:39 PM
Star Business Report
Washington is seeking to move away from unilateral trade preferences and ineffective aid towards a fairer, more reciprocal economic relationship with Dhaka centred on trade, investment and long-term cooperation, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen said yesterday.“As I’ve said before, America First does not mean America alone,” he said, adding that the US values partnerships that advance mutual interests and benefits. “We want a genuine partnership -- one that creates opportunities for Americans and Bangladeshis alike.”Bangladesh has the potential to become an increasingly important economic hub due to its dynamic private sector and young workforce, he said at an event marking 250 years of American independence, jointly organised by the US Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at Sheraton Dhaka.He described the US-Bangladesh agreement on reciprocal trade and investment as an important step towards expanding economic cooperation, boosting investment, creating jobs and facilitating skills transfer.The ambassador said Bangladesh’s economic potential can be further unlocked through reducing bureaucracy, tackling corruption, encouraging competition and creating a more business-friendly environment.
