Dhaka: British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke today emphasized the importance of export diversification for Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth, highlighting Britain’s support for business-friendly reforms in Dhaka. ‘The UK is working with Bangladesh to unlock new trade opportunities, support business-friendly reforms, and connect UK buyers with high-quality Bangladeshi products,’ she stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the envoy’s remarks came during a visit to Cupcake Exports, a soft toy manufacturer exporting to the UK, alongside Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi. The British High Commission issued a press release noting that the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme allows Bangladeshi businesses like Cupcake Exports to export to the UK market with zero tariffs, benefiting UK consumers by reducing the price of goods.
During their visit, the High Commissioner and the Special Envoy observed the toy production process and engaged with the company’s workers
and management. They discussed the opportunities and challenges of diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket and accessing the UK market. The press release highlighted that exporters of new products face significant policy and administrative barriers within Bangladesh, as well as challenges in entering new markets.
The UK government is providing technical assistance to help the Bangladesh government implement reforms that facilitate easier business operations and exports. The envoy reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to increase and diversify its exports and connect UK buyers with Bangladeshi exporters.
Furthermore, the UK Government announced an additional simplification of its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) on July 10, 2025. The new measures simplify the rules of origin, making it easier for Bangladeshi businesses to export to the UK. This initiative aims to help Bangladesh advance up the exporting value chain, diversify into new products, and contribute to job creation and
poverty reduction.
Launched in June 2023, the DCTS is among the most generous preferential trading schemes globally, offering duty-free access to the UK for all of Bangladesh’s exports, excluding arms, until 2029. After 2029, 98 percent of Bangladesh’s exports, including readymade garments, will continue to receive duty-free access under the Enhanced Preferences tier, the release added.