Dhaka: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today announced that Bangladesh is advancing aggressively in its free trade agenda, with negotiations on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) nearing completion. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister revealed during a press briefing at the Ministry of Commerce that the government aims to finalize free trade negotiations with an additional four to five countries by December. This effort is part of Bangladesh's strategy to expand its export markets in preparation for the country's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The government is prioritizing the signing of FTAs and other preferential trade agreements to ensure continued market access and enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness in the global arena. The minister highlighted the significance of these agreements in diversifying export destinations, attracting foreign investment, and facilitating a smooth transition post-LDC gradua tion. Furthermore, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan is set to be presented in the next Parliament session, paving the way for enhanced bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The European Union (EU), Bangladesh's largest trading partner, has also shown interest in initiating FTA negotiations with Bangladesh. Muktadir expressed optimism that the government's trade diplomacy and ongoing negotiations with key partners will open new opportunities for exporters, contributing to the sustainability of the country's long-term export growth.
