The government is negotiating bilateral trade agreements and market access arrangements with at least 15 countries and major regional trade blocs to tackle export challenges following its graduation from the least developed country category.
A comprehensive post-LDC strategy focused on trade diplomacy, export market diversification, investment promotion, trade facilitation and improving international competitiveness is being implemented, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said while responding to a question during the parliamentary session yesterday.
He said Bangladesh is currently engaged in trade negotiations or cooperation initiatives with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, Mauritius, Nigeria, New Zealand and the European Union.
The government is also moving forward with efforts to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest free trade bloc.
Muktadir said Bangladesh has already signed an economic partnership agreement with Japan, with ratification now underway. He described it as Bangladesh's first free trade agreement with a country and expressed optimism that it will boost exports and attract greater foreign investment after LDC graduation.
Negotiations with South Korea on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement are progressing through a trade negotiation committee covering 14 sectors and 11 working groups, with both sides aiming to conclude talks by mid-2026.
Bangladesh has also begun comprehensive economic agreement negotiations with the UAE. The first round of talks was held in Dubai on 11-13 May to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
The minister said discussions on a proposed free trade agreement with Singapore have advanced, with two negotiation rounds completed and a third scheduled in Dhaka in August 2026.
Talks are also progressing on a preferential trade agreement with Nepal, while Bangladesh and Bhutan are preparing to hold a joint trade committee meeting to accelerate implementation of their existing preferential trade agreement and remove remaining trade barriers.
LDC / government / Trade
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