Bangladesh can take advantage of Trump’s trade policy: Speakers

Speakers at a discussion meeting on Monday said that Bangladesh can take US President Donald Trump’s trade policy as an opportunity.
“President Trump has focused on trade and economic issues, and some countries are facing additional taxes to access the US market. But Bangladesh is fortunate in this regard that the US so far has no plan to do so with Bangladesh,” they said.

The speakers highlighted these at the discussion meeting on ‘America-Bangladesh Relations in the Trump Era’, organized by the International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) at its office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

William B. Milam, former US ambassador to Bangladesh and president of Right to Freedom, Jon F. Danilowicz, executive director, Right to Freedom, Dr. Asif M Shahan, professor, Development Studies, University of Dhaka, Ambassador Humayun Kabir, President, Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), among others spoke in the programme. Among others former Principal Secretary Md. Abdul Karim, former ambassador Mahbub Uz Zaman, former ambassador Shahed Akter and many distinguished guest were present.

Lufunnisa Saudia Khan, president of IBFB presided over the event. A number of former diplomats, academicians, and trade experts attended the event.

Milam said that he knew Bangladesh for the last 40 years. The US has investments in various sectors, including energy, but in the last 15 years, no partnership was developed between the two countries.

“Reform and institutional development of democratic practice, sustainable transaction of democracy will help Bangladesh to develop partnership with US businesses, government and private sector,” he pointed out.

He also praised the Bangladeshi people and their sacrifices in July and August to transform the country on the democratic path as well as the right to vote.

In response to US investment in Bangladesh, Danilowicz said that business-to-business connection with the US and Bangladesh will be important to grow trade and investment.

He also said that US Indo-Pacific policy and other trade and regional issues will not affect Bangladesh, rather Bangladesh has a lot of opportunities to develop a partnership with the US.

Other speakers said that today’s discussion is both timely and significant. The United States has long been a key strategic partner for Bangladesh in trade, investment, and development.

As U.S. policies evolve, it is crucial to assess their potential impact on Bangladesh’s economic and diplomatic landscape. Adapting proactively will be essential to further strengthen trade and investment ties, they said.

The IBFB is a non-partisan, research-driven organisation dedicated to improving Bangladesh’s business climate.

As a bridge between policymakers and the private sector, the IBFB advocates for policy reforms, tackles economic challenges, and promotes investment.