Dhaka: The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s trade and economic development through continued assistance in infrastructure, productive sectors, trade policy capacity building, and export diversification. WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang highlighted Bangladesh as a key beneficiary of the Aid for Trade Initiative, demonstrating strong cooperation between the country and its development partners in enhancing trade competitiveness and economic resilience.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh received approximately US$2.6 billion in Aid for Trade disbursements between 2006 and 2024, ranking it as the largest recipient among least developed countries during that period. Nearly 68 percent of the support was directed toward economic infrastructure, especially energy generation and transport, while around 30 percent was allocated to productive sectors such as agriculture, banking, and financial services. About two percent supported trade policy and regulatory activities.
The focus on infrastructure and productive sectors aligns with global Aid for Trade trends aimed at addressing supply-side constraints and enhancing trade capacity. Future support is expected to concentrate on infrastructure development and productive sectors, with increased attention to trade policy, digitalization, and institutional capacity building. Strengthening trade policy design and implementation capacities will enable Bangladesh to better utilize market opportunities and respond effectively to the evolving global trading environment.
Highlighting WTO cooperation with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce and other institutions, Zhang noted that the organization regularly provides technical assistance and training to Bangladeshi officials on a wide range of trade-related issues. Two recent WTO-supported activities were organized in Bangladesh in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce. Following a program on WTO notification requirements, Bangladesh requested specialized training on trade negotiation skills, which is expected to be organized within the next few months.
Zhang revealed that 281 Bangladeshi officials have participated in WTO technical assistance activities, including e-learning courses, advanced trade policy programs, regional workshops, and thematic training courses. Additionally, seven young professionals from Bangladesh have benefited from WTO long-term placement programs and internships, contributing to the development of future trade experts.
Addressing challenges posed by global uncertainty and external economic shocks, Zhang emphasized the WTO’s role as a platform for discussing emerging trade concerns and seeking cooperative solutions. The WTO’s Trade Monitoring Reports, introduced after the global financial crisis, enhance transparency and monitor trade-related measures affecting international commerce. The response of members during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how international cooperation maintains the flow of essential goods and supplies despite disruptions.
Zhang pointed to the 2022 decision by WTO members not to impose export restrictions on food purchased by the World Food Programme for humanitarian purposes, describing it as a significant contribution to global food security. While Bangladesh is recognized for its success in ready-made garment exports, the country is making progress in diversifying its export base. Recent discussions at the WTO highlighted opportunities in sectors such as footwear, pharmaceuticals, jute products, plastics, home textiles, light manufacturing, and digital services.
Greater investment in automation, design capabilities, intellectual property development, and marketing strategies will be vital for enhancing competitiveness and integrating more deeply into global value chains. The growing potential of technology-driven industries and Bangladesh’s participation in segments of the global semiconductor value chain demonstrate the country’s capacity to generate high-value employment and develop new export sectors. Bangladesh is gradually building a more diversified production and export structure, creating new opportunities for growth and economic development.
The WTO Deputy Director-General expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s future trade prospects, emphasizing that continued investment in infrastructure, skills development, innovation, and policy capacity will strengthen the country’s position in the global marketplace and support sustainable economic growth.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha