Bangladesh may delay its planned graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026 to retain trade benefits longer, according to Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. Business leaders favor postponement to help maintain competitiveness. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has begun formal negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore to boost bilateral trade, particularly in infrastructure, power, and logistics. Bangladesh is also pursuing FTAs with countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and India, as well as regional trade platforms.
The EU and other countries, including Canada and the UK, have agreed to extend trade benefits for Bangladesh up to 2029, offering a transition period post-graduation. Singapore’s high commissioner and other officials emphasized that an FTA with Bangladesh would foster economic cooperation, increase foreign direct investment, and enhance market access to Southeast Asia.
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