The annual US Trade Show began in Dhaka on Thursday promoting the economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States. Chargé d’affaires of the US embassy JoAnne Wagner inaugurated the three-day 27th annual show at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka with the partnership of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh.
With 48 exhibitors and four seminars, the showcase highlights the high quality, cutting-edge American products and services U.S. businesses can offer Bangladeshi consumers.
This trade show comes at an ‘important moment’ for U.S.-Bangladesh trade and investment ties, the envoy said. The United States is the number one export destination for Bangladeshi products. Two-way trade totaled $9 billion in 2019, more than double the amount of 10 years ago. The US exports to Bangladesh reached $2.3 billion.
“U.S. companies bring cutting edge technology, technology transfer, innovation, the highest quality products, integrity in our business practices, support and partnership with Bangladeshi companies, and the power of the private sector to Bangladesh, and that benefits both of our countries – all things we celebrate today at the Trade Show,” she said.
“U.S. companies also take their corporate responsibilities seriously,” she added, noting examples of corporate social responsibility projects supported by numerous U.S. firms. The Trade Show will conclude with a sales contract signing between U.S. firm DSC Dredge and Bangladeshi firm Deep Diggers, bringing superb American-made dredges to Bangladesh while supporting local jobs and opportunities.
The embassy said their participation in the annual Trade Show “demonstrates US commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s continued economic growth and development and a strong partnership to help ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, promoting market-based economics and free, fair, and reciprocal trade principles”.
On February 28, the Embassy officials will discuss the visa process including business, investor, and work visas, at 4:00pm, followed by a session at 5:15pm on studying in the United States and the free consultative education services provided by the US Embassy through its Education USA Advising Centers.
On February 29, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will convene a discussion on “Private Sector Opportunities in Bangladesh” at 3:00pm and at 5:00pm officials from the U.S. government and representatives from the private sector will discuss “America’s Indo-Pacific Economic Vision.”
