Dhaka: Adviser to the interim government on the Ministries of Finance and Commerce, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, today emphasized Bangladesh's commitment to ensuring a smooth and sustainable graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. He made these remarks at the negotiation launching ceremony of the Bangladesh-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) held at the Ministry of Commerce. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salehuddin stated that the graduation from LDC status will not occur abruptly but will be achieved at a reasonable time, keeping the interests of Bangladesh and its people in mind. He highlighted that the decision will be taken with an understanding of the challenges that can be easily managed. The government is also planning to sign FTAs with numerous countries to facilitate this transition. Salehuddin identified Singapore as a key partner for expanding Bangladesh's trade. He noted the potential to enhance relations beyond products to include services and investments, further str engthening ties between the two nations. The initiative to sign an FTA aims to boost trade and investment between Bangladesh and Singapore significantly. Derek Loh, the High Commissioner of Singapore in Dhaka, underscored the strategic importance of Bangladesh, particularly Chattogram, for Singapore due to its geographic location. He mentioned that Singaporean shipping company PSA's investment in Chattogram Terminal is expected to transform it into a major international port through the Bay-Terminal Transformation, thereby increasing trade between the two countries. The event also saw contributions from other dignitaries, including Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfe Siddiqui, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md Selim Uddin. Earlier, Singapore's High Commissioner Derek Loh paid a courtesy visit to Salehuddin Ahmed at his secretariat office.
