Bangladesh’s government is working on policy and institutional reforms aimed at increasing exports, attracting foreign investment and making business operations easier, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir said on Tuesday.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to officials, the meeting focused on bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and the European Union, investment opportunities and the removal of existing non-tariff barriers affecting trade.
Both sides stressed the importance of making the trade environment more transparent, business-friendly and efficient.
The commerce minister said the European Union remains one of Bangladesh’s most important trading partners and that Dhaka is keen to further expand trade relations with the bloc.
“To increase exports, attract investment and facilitate business activities, the government is working on policy and institutional reforms,” Muqtadir said.
He added that the government is giving priority to reducing non-tariff barriers, simplifying import-export procedures and effectively addressing the practical problems faced by businesses.
The minister also noted that the draft Import Policy Order has already been published on the government website for stakeholder feedback.
He said the government is working to strengthen business confidence and improve Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international trade.
Muqtadir expressed hope that existing trade-related challenges could be resolved through constructive dialogue and joint initiatives with the European Union.
EU Ambassador Michael Miller reiterated the bloc’s interest in further strengthening trade cooperation with Bangladesh.
He said the Bangladesh government’s initiatives to improve the business environment and remove barriers were “commendable”.
However, he noted that some complex issues would take time to resolve and stressed the need for sustainable and long-term solutions.
“The European Union and relevant businesses are ready to support the process by sharing experience and recommendations,” the ambassador said.
Among others, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Ayesha Akter and senior ministry officials attended the meeting.