Bangladesh is set to seek a binding 12-year transition period at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to safeguard its export-driven economy following its graduation from least developed country (LDC) status. The proposal will be formally presented at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon from 26–29 March.
Officials said a comprehensive position paper has been finalized, outlining a negotiating strategy aimed at cushioning the potential “graduation shock” to Bangladesh’s $50 billion export sector. The delegation, led by the Ministry of Commerce with support from the Economic Relations Division, is expected to take a firm stance to protect jobs in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry and small-scale agriculture.
At the core of the proposal is a demand for a structured graduation support package, including a 12-year extension of LDC-specific Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) and continued Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) market access. Without such measures, officials warn that the RMG sector—accounting for over 80% of exports—could face tariff hikes of up to 12% in key markets, undermining competitiveness.
Bangladesh will also push for flexible Rules of Origin and work with the G-90 group to secure permanent post-graduation trade preferences under schemes such as GSP+.
