US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir convened a meeting today at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) office, focusing on ways to increase US investment in Bangladesh. The meeting aimed to ensure transparency in major infrastructure projects and create a more business-friendly trade environment.
During the meeting, both sides discussed expanding bilateral trade, partnership in the energy sector, and recent policy reforms in Bangladesh. Ambassador Christensen raised the issue of floating LNG terminal (FSRU) projects, emphasizing the need for a transparent and competitive environment in major infrastructure initiatives to strengthen confidence among foreign investors.
In response, Commerce Minister Muktadir welcomed US investors, stating that proposals from US companies would receive the highest priority if they demonstrated their capacity to deliver FSRUs within the shortest possible time. He also highlighted the importance of presenting an effective supply plan within a short timeframe to strengthen their position in the bidding process.
On the import policy, Ambassador Christensen appreciated several positive changes introduced in the new policy while suggesting that some provisions could be made more business-friendly. The commerce minister assured that the import policy is an ongoing process, with necessary reforms being reviewed regularly in line with market conditions and economic realities.
The minister also mentioned the government's decision to remove the longstanding requirement for foreign companies to appoint local agents for procuring strategic equipment, which has created scope for direct dealings with manufacturers, enhancing transparency and curbing the influence of intermediaries. On energy cooperation, Ambassador Christensen described the agreement with international energy supplier Gunvor Group as a positive step.
Commerce Minister Muktadir assured the ambassador that the government is working with the protection of national interests as its highest priority and would continue to do so in the future. Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Abdun Naser Khan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md Mustafizur Rahman, and Economic Chief of the US Embassy Angelo Palazzolo attended the meeting. Both sides expressed optimism that regular discussions of this nature would help take Bangladesh-US commercial relations to a new level in the days ahead.
