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The apparel-sector apex body-BGMEA-has requested clarification on the mechanism of duty exemption facility for garments made using US cotton, saying such an initiative would further strengthen the bi-lateral relation between the two countries.
Highlighting investment potential in LNG infrastructure as a short term solution, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), also sought more US investment in the country's energy sector to meet the needs of the growing industrial sectors.
BGMEA president Mahmud Hasan Khan made the request and observations on Sunday during a meeting of the US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen met with BGMEA board of directors at the trade body's Uttara office in the city, said a statement.
The meeting discussed various issues relating to bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States, US investment in Bangladesh's energy sector, various labour-related aspects and expansion of economic cooperation.
The US delegation included Labour Attaché Leena Khan, Agri Attaché Erin Covert, Commercial Attaché Paul Frost, Political and Economic Officer Srini Sitaram, and Labor Specialist Saifuzzaman Mehrab.
In response to BGMEA's request, the US Ambassador said the United States Trade Representative is currently working on the matter, according to the statement.
He also said the recent trade agreement is very positive for Bangladesh and Bangladesh is the first country to get this special opportunity.
The US ambassador expressed the hope it would increase cotton exports from the United States to Bangladesh.
During the discussion, BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan drew the attention of the Ambassador to the issue of business confusion caused by frequent tariff changes in recent times.
The statement citing Mr Christensen as saying that such a situation has arisen in the context of a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court. He further expressed optimism that such complications would be resolved very soon and stability would also be restored in tariff matters.
Highlighting the importance of US investment in the energy sector, the BGMEA president said US technology and investment in domestic gas extraction is needed to address the country's long-term crisis.
Mr Christensen responded positively to the proposal, saying the US investors will be interested in coming forward in this sector provided long-term and stable policies are formulated in Bangladesh.
The meeting also discussed in detail the labor law and the new ordinance.
The ambassador said labour sector reform is a long-standing and important issue in the trade between Bangladesh and the United States.
The BGMEA President said discussions are underway on the proposed labour ordinance with 145 specific points and further clarification is needed on some issues for transparency.
The BGMEA also proposed relaxation of visa bonds and issuance of long-term visas for garment sector entrepreneurs.
During the meeting, BGMEA Director Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz said the United States can play a greater role in the sustainable development of Bangladesh's apparel sector, which has the highest number of 'LEAD' certified factories under the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
BGMEA vice presidents Md Rezwan Selim, Mizanur Rahman, Vidya Amrit Khan, Md Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury, directors Shah Raed Chowdhury, Faisal Samad, Mohammad Abdus Salam, Nafis-ud Daula, Sumaiya Islam, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Joarder Mohammad Hosne Qamar Alam and former director ANM Saif Uddin, among others, were present in the meeting.
Munni_fe@yahoo.com