US keen to expand cooperation in Bangladesh private sector

Charge d'Affaires of the United States (US) embassy to Bangladesh Tracey Ann Jacobson expressed interest to expand cooperation for the development of the country's private sector.

She made the keenness while paying a courtesy call on Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin at his ministry office in the city on Wednesday, says a press release.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including bilateral trade and investment, developing skills through training and the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TICFA).
Bashir said the US has been a long-standing development partner of Bangladesh and a major market for exports.

There is opportunity to further strengthen this relationship by increasing trade and investment cooperation, he added.

Stating that the government is working to facilitate investment and trade, he said that Bangladesh expects more investment from the United States.

He called on the United States to set up manufacturing factories.

"The next round of the TICFA agreement will be held in Washington. As a preparation, Bangladesh has prepared a business plan. Bangladesh wants to get benefit from TICFA," he added.

At this time, he laid emphasis on meaningful discussions at the government-to-government and business-to-business levels to increase bilateral trade.

Tracey Ann Jacobson said that new doors of possibilities have opened in the new Bangladesh.

"The United States will work closely with Bangladesh to achieve the goals of economic cooperation and development," she added.

She expressed her interest in taking steps to increase the skills of women through prevention and training, as well as increasing US cooperation in the private sector.

Secretary (Routine Responsibilities) of the Ministry of Commerce Md Abdur Rahim was present at the meeting.