UK Trade Envoy Meets Commerce Adviser

The meeting discussed in details various aspects of trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom as well as issues related to LDC graduation and the launch of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin said that Bangladesh is set to graduate from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to a developing country in November 2026. "This will be a major milestone in Bangladesh's economic journey, creating numerous opportunities while also posing certain challenges,"

He also expressed Bangladesh's expectations of continued cooperation from the United Kingdom in addressing potential challenges during this transition, said a Commerce Ministry press release.

Regarding the launch of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the Adviser said that the government is sincere about bringing the terminal into operation as soon as possible. "The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is working on this matter, and an operator will be appointed to manage the terminal's ground-handling operations," he added.

The UK Trade Envoy stated that under its trade facilitation scheme, Bangladeshi products will continue to enjoy duty-free access fully to the UK market until 2029, which will help maintain the country's export competitiveness during the LDC graduation.

Baroness Winterton added that the goal of her visit is to further strengthen the bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two countries. 
She emphasized the need for joint efforts to explore new trade and investment opportunities and to enhance mutual prosperity.

The meeting was also attended by Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and M Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce, reports BSS.