The first day of the second round of tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States concluded in Washington with both parties reportedly reaching consensus on most issues during the discussion.
In a Facebook post at 3am (Thursday) Dhaka time, Golam Mortoza, press minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington said, "The first day of discussions on Bangladesh-US tariff issues has concluded. Talks will continue tomorrow and the day after. Both sides have agreed on most points in terms of logic and arguments. However, it is too early to comment on the tariff issue."
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin led the negotiations on behalf of Bangladesh, while National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister's Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb joined the discussions virtually from Dhaka.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Additional Secretary Dr Nazneen Kauser Chowdhury also joined the meeting in person, having arrived in Washington from Dhaka earlier in the morning.
The first meeting of the second round of negotiations with United States Trade Representative (USTR) officials aimed at finalising a draft bilateral trade agreement that could grant Bangladesh an exemption from the 35% tariff imposed by the United States.
The discussions are expected to continue through Friday.
