US trade official to visit Dhaka soon: Envoy

Bangladesh and the United States on Tuesday held discussions on bolstering trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and US Ambassador Brent T Christensen held the discussion at the minister’s office at the Secretariat in the city, said a press release.

During the meeting, Ambassador Christensen lauded the parliamentary activities conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, describing it as a positive example of democratic practice.

He observed that expanding bilateral trade would be mutually beneficial for both nations.

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance trade dialogue, the US envoy announced that Brendan Lynch, the Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) for South and Central Asia, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh shortly.

He also expressed a keen interest in Bangladesh's upcoming regulatory framework, specifically the new import policy order.

In response, Muktadir informed the US delegation that the Ministry of Commerce, along with other relevant ministries, is actively working on the new guidelines.

He noted that a draft of the “Import Policy Order 2026” will be sent to the business community soon to gather their feedback and opinions.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to expanding cooperation across trade, investment, and policy sectors.

The meeting was attended by Md Abdur Rahim Khan, secretary (Routine Duty) of the Ministry of Commerce, and Eric Geelan, political economic counsellor at the US Embassy in Dhaka.