Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for the early launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union, stressing the need to protect Bangladesh’s duty-free access to its largest export market ahead of the country’s graduation from least developed country (LDC) status.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Nuria Lopez, chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (Euro-Cham), at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka. EU Ambassador Michael Miller was also present.
Lopez said Bangladesh must move quickly towards an FTA with the EU, warning that existing trade preferences will expire after LDC graduation. She noted that a comprehensive trade deal would help attract European investment, generate employment and expand exports to advanced Western markets.
In response, Yunus referred to Bangladesh’s recently concluded Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, which will allow duty-free access for more than 7,300 Bangladeshi products, calling it a model for future agreements. He said the interim government is preparing to pursue similar negotiations with other key partners, including the EU, with a particular focus on safeguarding the ready-made garment sector.
Ambassador Miller said changes in the EU-Bangladesh trade relationship following LDC graduation would not take effect before 2029, providing a transition window. He reaffirmed the EU’s interest in investing in Bangladesh and proposed holding an EU-Bangladesh Business Forum in 2026 to deepen commercial ties.
Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s efforts to attract foreign investment, including plans to establish a free trade zone and promote the country as a competitive manufacturing hub with a large skilled workforce. The meeting also covered the upcoming general election, with Yunus welcoming the EU’s decision to deploy a large observer mission, describing it as a strong endorsement of Bangladesh’s democratic process. Senior government officials, including SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, also attended the meeting.
