U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen held a meeting with BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BGMEA Board of Directors at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara today (Sunday).
The meeting focused on key aspects of bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States, including opportunities for expanding economic cooperation, U.S. investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector, labor-related issues, and strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
The U.S. delegation included Labor Attaché Lina Khan, Agriculture Attaché Erin Covert, Commercial Attaché Paul Frost, Political and Economic Officer Srini Sitaram, and Labour Affairs Specialist Saifuzzaman Mehrab.
The BGMEA delegation was led by President Mahmud Hasan Khan and included Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan; Vice Presidents Md. Rezwan Selim, Mijanur Rahman (Finance), Vidiya Amrit Khan, and Md. Shehab Udduza Chowdhury; Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Faisal Samad, Mohammad Abdus Salam, Nafis-ud-Doula, Sumaiya Islam, Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, and Joarder Mohammed Hosne Quamar Alam; as well as Former Director A.N.M. Saif Uddin.
During the meeting, BGMEA sought clarification regarding the mechanism for duty concessions on garments produced using U.S. cotton.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan noted that such an initiative would further strengthen collaboration between the apparel and textile sectors of the two countries.
In response, Ambassador Christensen mentioned that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is currently working on the matter.
He described the recent trade arrangement as highly positive for Bangladesh and noted that Bangladesh is the first country to receive this special opportunity. He also expressed hope that the initiative would lead to increased exports of U.S. cotton to Bangladesh.
BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan also raised concerns about business uncertainty caused by frequent tariff adjustments in recent times. Ambassador Christensen explained that the situation had arisen following a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. He expressed optimism that the complexities would soon be resolved and that stability in tariff policies would be restored.
During the discussion, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the importance of increased U.S. investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector to meet the growing demand of the country’s expanding industrial base. He emphasized that investment in LNG infrastructure could provide a short-term solution to energy shortages, while in the long term, U.S. technology and investment would be crucial for enhancing domestic gas exploration and production.
Ambassador Christensen responded positively, stating that the formulation of a long-term and stable energy policy in Bangladesh would encourage greater participation from U.S. investors in the sector.
The meeting also included detailed discussions on labour laws and the proposed new ordinance. Ambassador Christensen noted that labour sector reforms have long been an important element of trade relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan informed that discussions are ongoing regarding the proposed labour ordinance, which includes 145 specific points, and that further clarification on several issues would help ensure transparency and effective implementation.
BGMEA also proposed easing the visa bond requirement for garment sector entrepreneurs and introducing long-term visa facilities to facilitate business travel.
During the meeting, BGMEA Director Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz highlighted that Bangladesh currently hosts the highest number of LEED-certified green garment factories in the world under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). He noted that the United States could play a greater role in supporting sustainable development in the sector. In response, Ambassador Christensen suggested deeper engagement of U.S. brands and buyer companies to help further advance this goal.
Senior officials from BGMEA and representatives of the U.S. Embassy were also present at the meeting. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening economic ties and elevating the bilateral relationship to new heights.
Major Md. Saiful Islam, PSC, CSCM (Retd.)Acting Secretary, BGMEA
