US Private Sector Poised to Boost Bangladesh’s Growth with Economic ReformsThe United States private sector can significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s growth by enhancing trade and investment, provided the right economic reforms are implemented, the US Embassy in Dhaka stated today (September 14). The statement followed a discussion on trade and investment, where the Embassy highlighted the positive impact US businesses have on various sectors of Bangladesh’s economy, such as energy security, data centers, and transportation.
Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury, arrived in Dhaka this morning to lead a US delegation aimed at addressing bilateral relations. Khandker Masudul Alam, Director General (North America) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed him at the airport.
Bangladesh is preparing for a multi-faceted dialogue as it welcomes the first US delegation since the formation of the interim government under Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on August 8. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin noted that the arrival of this US team underscores the significance of the US-Bangladesh relationship, indicating that discussions will span multiple topics.
The US delegation will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus tomorrow (September 15), as well as Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed. A working lunch hosted by Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin will include representatives from relevant ministries.
A US State Department spokesperson remarked that the discussions will focus on how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability, and broader development needs. Foreign Secretary Jashim declined to comment on specific agenda items ahead of the talks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the discussions’ natural flow.
Donald Lu, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, is set to join the delegation after his current visit to New Delhi. Throughout his trip, Lu will reaffirm the US commitment to supporting economic growth and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US delegation will also include representatives from the US Department of the Treasury, USAID, and the Office of the US Trade Representative. They will meet with Bangladesh’s interim government to explore ways to enhance relations under the changing political landscape.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain underscored the significance of any US delegation visit, noting that the discussions will focus on achievable goals and will not be hindered by issues such as US visa policy.
