Canberra: Australia has reiterated its pledge to provide duty-free and quota-free access to Bangladeshi products even after Bangladesh graduates from its Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. This commitment was announced during the third meeting of the Joint Working Group, formed under the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) between Bangladesh and Australia, held on Tuesday at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting also saw Bangladesh extending an invitation to Australia to invest in its growing information technology sector. Additionally, the Australian representatives expressed interest in importing summer fruits from Bangladesh. Both nations demonstrated a strong desire to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including trade policy, agriculture, education, investment, garment industries, energy, and information technology. The discussions further highlighted Australia's interest in utilizing Bangladeshi wool and c otton in their garment industry. Bangladesh also sought Australian assistance in technical education and skills development, emphasizing the importance of such support for its economic growth. Another significant topic was the exploration of direct flights between Bangladesh and Australia, with both parties showing optimism about potential advancements in this area. The Bangladeshi delegation at the meeting was led by Additional Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Md Abdur Rahim Khan, while Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary at Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs, headed the Australian delegation. Deputy Secretary for Trade and Investment George Mina also participated in the session. The next meeting of the Joint Working Group is scheduled to be held in Dhaka at the same time next year.
