The European Union is ready to begin exploratory discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh as the country prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Country category, EU Ambassador Michael Miller has said.
He also stressed the need for Bangladesh to take swift and targeted measures to remove non-tariff barriers (NTBs), further improve the business environment and ensure a smooth continuation of trade benefits in the post-LDC period.
The remarks came after the ambassador met Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at the Planning Commission in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Thursday, according to a commerce ministry media statement.
Bangladesh began its graduation process from the LDC category in 2018 and was originally scheduled to leave the list on Nov 24, 2026, after receiving a two-year extension because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the BNP-led government requested the United Nations on Feb 18, the day after assuming office, to extend the transition period by another three years.
