BTMA lauds trade delegation for tariff reduction breakthrough in Washington

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has extended its heartfelt appreciation to the government’s trade delegation, led by Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin, following a successful mission to Washington, DC that resulted in significant progress toward reducing tariffs on Bangladeshi exports to the United States.

In an official statement on Saturday, BTMA described the development as a “milestone” for Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry, noting that it would enhance the country’s export competitiveness and strengthen bilateral trade relations with the US.

A high-profile delegation, led by BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell, joined the official visit to Washington, DC, with the government’s trade delegation, where the team participated in high-level discussions aimed at securing a more favorable tariff regime for Bangladeshi products in the US market.

During the mission, several BTMA member mills reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade partnerships by pledging increased imports of US cotton—underscoring Bangladesh’s intention to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial supply chain.

The participating mill representatives included Mohammad Mosharaf Hossain, Managing Director of Mosharaf Composite Textile Mills Ltd; Mohammad Masud Rana, Managing Director of Asia Composite Mills Ltd; Chowdhury Mohammad Hanif Shoaib, Managing Director; and Ms Salma Chowdhury, Chairperson of Salma Group Ltd.

The delegation was honoured at a reception hosted by Deputy Chief of Mission at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC, Mr DM Salahuddin Mahmud.

As part of the visit, the delegation also held productive meetings with the US Chamber of Commerce and leading American business representatives. Notably, the meetings were attended by former US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr Peter D Haas, who now serves as Strategic Adviser at Excelerate Energy, a US-based energy firm.

During the discussions, American stakeholders expressed strong interest in expanding trade and investment ties with Bangladesh. Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin assured them of the Bangladesh government’s full support in fostering a conducive environment for mutual growth and cooperation.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and Additional Secretary (WTO Wing) Dr Nazneen Kauser Chowdhury, among other officials, attended the event.

Speaking at the event, BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell said, “Our entrepreneurs are fully committed to building sustainable trade partnerships and enhancing Bangladesh’s role in the global textile supply chain.”

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