A delegation from the European Union, led by EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, held a meeting with Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin at the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon.
The meeting focused on various aspects of trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union, according to commerce ministry.
During the discussion, Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin emphasized that the European Union is one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners and that there is significant potential to expand bilateral trade.
He noted that Bangladesh intends to move toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and eventually a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU, based on feasibility assessments and detailed trade data analysis.
Ambassador Michael Miller highlighted the importance of trade in strengthening bilateral relations. Noting the existing trade imbalance between Bangladesh and the EU, he said both sides have opportunities for mutual growth by addressing current challenges in trade and investment.
The meeting was attended by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman; Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga; Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller; Deputy Head of Mission of the French Embassy Frédéric Inza; Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy Enza Christen; Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy Federico Zamprelli; Deputy Head of Mission of the Swedish Embassy Eva Smedberg; and Abu Sayed Belal, Trade Adviser at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh.