Special Correspondent: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for sustained and expanded United States investment in Bangladesh, identifying agriculture, logistics and information technology as priority sectors for future cooperation.
The appeal came during a courtesy meeting with US President's Special Envoy
for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon
on Saturday, where both sides reviewed bilateral relations, trade, investment,
regional cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.
According to officials, the meeting reflected a shared commitment to
strengthening the Bangladesh-US partnership, with particular emphasis on
economic engagement and private-sector investment.
Focus on investment and supply chains: During the discussions, the Prime
Minister invited greater American investment in warehousing, soybean, cotton,
wheat and other agricultural sectors, saying such cooperation would help
Bangladesh develop a stronger and more competitive supply chain.
He also highlighted the country's growing information technology industry
and encouraged US companies to explore investment opportunities in the sector.
The two sides exchanged views on expanding investment through the US
International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), with the Prime Minister
urging Washington to maintain and broaden its financial engagement in
Bangladesh.
Responding positively, Sergio Gor said the United States would work to
enhance DFC investment cooperation and support initiatives that encourage
greater American business participation in Bangladesh.
US Investor Summit under consideration: The US Special Envoy informed the
Prime Minister that American investors based in Dhaka are interested in
organising a US Investor Summit in Bangladesh in the near future. He said he is
personally working to facilitate the initiative.
The proposed visit of a delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council
next month was also discussed as part of broader efforts to promote trade and
investment ties.
Cooperation in pharmaceuticals and technology: Another important issue on
the agenda was expanding collaboration between Bangladesh and the US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA).
Gor assured the Prime Minister that he would support the resumption of FDA
inspection activities in Bangladesh, a move expected to strengthen cooperation
in the pharmaceutical sector and facilitate greater market access.
The Special Envoy also noted Bangladesh's growing potential in information
technology and suggested that the country could become a future partner in the
PAX Silica initiative. He pledged to take steps to advance cooperation in this
area.
Stability boosting investor confidence: During the meeting, Gor praised
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, saying Bangladesh is witnessing a
return to stability.
He said the United States' positive revision of its travel advisory for
Bangladesh sends an encouraging signal to American investors that the country
is increasingly attractive for business and investment.
His remarks underscore growing optimism among sections of the US business
community regarding Bangladesh's economic prospects.
Rohingya crisis remains a shared concern: The prolonged Rohingya crisis also
featured prominently in the talks.
Sharing his experience from a recent visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox's
Bazar, Gor commended Bangladesh for continuing to shelter and support forcibly
displaced Myanmar nationals despite the enormous humanitarian burden.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to the United States for
its longstanding assistance, noting that Washington provides more than half of
the international humanitarian support for the Rohingya population.
The US Special Envoy stressed that only a swift, sustainable and political
solution can resolve the crisis. He emphasised the importance of coordinated
efforts involving ASEAN, neighbouring countries and the wider international
community.
Senior officials present: The meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs
Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed
Islam, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, advisers
Mahdi Amin and Rehan Asif Asad, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States
Tareq Md Ariful Islam, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, and
other senior officials.
The discussions reflected both countries' intention to deepen economic
cooperation while maintaining close coordination on regional and humanitarian
issues, signalling a broader effort to elevate Bangladesh-US relations in the
years ahead.
Subject : Diplomacy

সোমবার, ০৩ আগস্ট ২০২৬
Publish Date : 01 August 2026

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