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National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman has proposed that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) reduce the reciprocal tariff from the current 20 per cent.
US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer has agreed to consider the proposal positively.
He also agreed to give serious consideration to Dr Rahman’s proposal to lower or eliminate the US reciprocal tariff on apparel using US content.
Dr Khalilur Rahman met Ambassador Greer in Washington, DC, on Thursday afternoon, UNB reports.
He also held a separate meeting with Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch.
During the meeting with Ambassador Greer, Dr Khalilur Rahman briefed him on the progress Bangladesh has made in reducing the trade gap between Bangladesh and the United States.
“Even before the formal execution of the reciprocal trade agreement, Bangladesh has made major strides in reducing the trade gap by substantially increasing imports from the US and implementing some key aspects of the agreement,” Dr Khalilur Rahman said.
Both sides agreed to rapidly resolve a handful of outstanding issues so that the reciprocal tariff agreement could be finalised and executed expeditiously.
Dr Khalilur Rahman noted that business contacts between Bangladesh and the US are expected to increase significantly in the coming days as a result of expanded trade between the two countries.
He invited Ambassador Greer to use his good offices to ease business travel for Bangladeshis in light of Bangladesh’s recent inclusion in the US visa bond programme.
Dr Khalilur Rahman also requested access to US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) funding for Bangladesh’s private sector.
Ambassador Greer assured Dr Khalilur Rahman of his efforts in these matters.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Tareq Md Ariful Islam accompanied the National Security Adviser, while Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch and other officials were present on behalf of the USTR.
Dr Khalilur Rahman is also expected to meet senior US State Department officials on Friday.