Dhaka, August 23, 2023: FBCCI, the Apex trade organization of the country, wants to strengthen trade with the United States. FBCCI has expressed its interest in working with the US to enhance the number of US investors in Bangladesh as well as increase exports of non-traditional products. FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam expressed this interest during a courtesy meeting with Commercial Counselor John Fay of the US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday (August 23, 2023) at the FBCCI Icon in the capital.

FBCCI president said, 'The US has always been a great friend of Bangladesh. The year 2022 has been a landmark for us, as both Bangladesh and the USA celebrated 50 years of their diplomatic relationship and proud partnership since 1972. Over the past 50 years, the United States Government has given assistance of over eight billion dollars to improve the lives of Bangladeshis.  The country is now the largest recipient of U.S. assistance in Asia.'

Even during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Bangladesh has been one of the top recipients of U.S.-donated coronavirus vaccines worldwide. Thanks to the USA for their humanitarian assistance and cooperation extended to us over the years, he added.  

Mahbubul Alam said, 'Our major export items are woven garments, knitwear, home textile, footwear, leather, agriculture, and frozen food, etc., which account for most of our exports to the US. As the US is the single largest export destination of Bangladesh, we believe that this is the right time to take the initiative for an FTA between our two countries in order to take advantage of our value and supply chains for enhanced mutual benefit.' FBCCI is hopeful about a more diversified portfolio in our trade relations with the USA in the coming days, FBCCI President mentioned.

As the apex trade body of Bangladesh, the FBCCI is ready to launch a platform for networking and business contacts and to arrange meetings and trade fairs for the entrepreneurs of both Bangladesh and the USA to strengthen our trade cooperation between the two countries, Mahbubul Alam added.

The Commercial Counselor at the US Embassy in Dhaka John Fay highlighted the significant presence of American investment within Bangladesh. emphasizing the fruitful operations of numerous American enterprises in the country, John Fay emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Commerce Office and the Embassy in reinforcing the business ties linking Bangladesh and the USA. In addition to acknowledging the noteworthy progress of Bangladesh's development, he further lauded the ongoing partnership between the two nations as a driving force for mutual growth."

FBCCI Vice President Khairul Huda (Chopol), Joshoda Jibon Deb Nath, Rashadul Hossain Chowdhury (Ronni), Munir Hossain, Director Md. Saiful Islam, Secretary General. Md. Alamgir and others were present at the meeting.