Duty-cut plea not denied, talks on sticking points agreed

Dhaka and Washington reached agreement on several more issues over Bangladesh's petition for reconsidering bumped-up tariffs on the US market, but the host side preferred further negotiations on few sticking points, officials said.

The second round of the Bangladesh-US tariff talks ended Friday in Washington without any breakthrough but both sides agreed to hold further discussions, they said.

Following the three-day negotiations on requested cuts in the 35-percent additional tariffs imposed on Bangladeshi exports by the Trump administration, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman both expressed optimism that a positive outcome could be achieved within the set timeframe.

"On the third and final day of the second round of trade talks, Bangladesh and the United States reached agreement on several more issues. However, a few matters remain unresolved," said a spokesperson for the CA Office in Dhaka, adding that both sides have agreed to continue inter-ministerial discussions among themselves.

Thereafter, representatives from the two countries will reconvene for further talks.

These upcoming discussions may take place both virtually and in person. The dates for these meetings are expected to be finalised soon.

The trade adviser, the secretary and the additional secretary were scheduled to return home Saturday (July 12).

They will travel over again to the US capital, if needed, seeking a desired deal.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by the trade adviser, Sheikh Bashir Uddin. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Fayez Tayyeb joined the talks virtually from Dhaka. Several high-ranking government officials and experts also participated virtually.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com