Experts called for strengthening Bangladesh鈥檚 trade negotiation capacity through proper institutionalisation, as the country is set to graduate from the Least Developed Countries category in 2026.
They also emphasised operating聽a pool of trade-skilled negotiators for sustaining export growth, diversifying markets, and safeguarding Bangladesh鈥檚 interests in an increasingly competitive global trading system.
They were speaking at a national dialogue titled 鈥楻eflections and Way Forward: Building National Capabilities in Trade Negotiations鈥� at a hotel in the capital on Sunday.
The dialogue was organised by the Ministry of Commerce with support from the United Nations Development Programme, under the Transformative Economic Policy Programme, financed by the UK Government鈥檚 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
At the dialogue, Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development, said that the global trade system was becoming increasingly uncertain, and the rules and regulations of the World Trade Organisation were losing their effectiveness.
鈥楾his would make future trade and trade negotiations more complicated for countries like Bangladesh. Originally the trade negotiations were followed by WTO rules and many other fellow practices,鈥� he added.
He also said that Bangladesh has long benefited from non-reciprocal trade preferences, and these facilities would no longer be available after LDC graduation.
鈥楳arket access and trade policy space would instead have to be secured through effective negotiations, making strong preparation essential,鈥� he added.
He also said that the聽trade negotiation pool聽forming process should be properly聽institutionalised聽so that expertise not remained scattered across ministries, agencies, and think tanks.
Citing the UK鈥檚 post-Brexit experience of quickly building negotiation teams, he argued that Bangladesh must also act swiftly to prepare skilled negotiators capable of handling complex trade deals.
He also underlined the need for setting priorities in pursuing FTAs, given limited capacity, and to coordinate closely across government agencies.
鈥榃e are seeing a trade environment that is now more complex and political鈥�, he added, saying the whole global multilateral trading system has been weakened and the protection system for some countries, like Bangladesh, compromised.
Addressing as the chief guest, Sk Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Ministry of Commerce, called for institutionalising trade negotiation capacity.
鈥楢s Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC status, the Trade Negotiation pool would be vital in equipping our negotiators to secure the nation鈥檚 interests in a complex global trade landscape,鈥� he added.
He also said that in today鈥檚 rapidly evolving global trade landscape, Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture.
鈥楢s the nation graduates from LDC status, the ability to negotiate effectively has become paramount for securing favourable trade agreements and sustaining long-term economic growth,鈥� he added.
Regarding the Trade Negotiators鈥� Pool, he said that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to the success and sustainability of this initiative.
鈥楤y strengthening policy frameworks and institutional support, the government aims to ensure that this pool evolves as a dynamic force,鈥� he added.
Commerce secretary Mahbubur Rahman stated that negotiations are currently underway with Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Lutfey Siddiqi, the chief adviser鈥檚 envoy for international affairs, said that trade negotiations cannot be approached casually. They demand institutional change, specialist expertise, authority, and continuity to succeed.
Sarah Cooke, British high commissioner to Bangladesh, said that the UK is proud to support Bangladesh in building a new generation of trade negotiators and would remain committed to supporting its journey toward a modern, inclusive economy.
鈥楤angladesh would need sharp minds, strong institutions, and a clear strategy and you must understand both your own interests and those of your trading partners,鈥� she added.
She also said that success depends on early and sustained investment in knowledge and capacity, and Bangladesh needs clear strategies and skilled people to build them.
Stefan Liller, resident representative of the UNDP Bangladesh, said that Bangladesh鈥檚 graduation is 鈥榓 call for an economic reset.鈥�
鈥楤angladesh must craft a new generation of trade and investment strategies, negotiate favourable agreements, and defend its interests in global forums,鈥� he added.
In a presentation, Md Abdur Rahim Khan, additional secretary (export wing) of the Ministry of Commerce, called for restructuring the Ministry of Commerce through a fine balance of knowledge and resources.
He also urged to establish a new department, the聽Department of Trade Negotiation, like Thailand, to conduct trade negotiations dedicatedly.
