EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael  Miller met with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at the Planning Commission in Agargaon. Photo : PID

DHAKA, July 9, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today 
said the government is working sincerely to address the European Union's 
concerns, improve the investment climate, and remove trade barriers as 
Bangladesh prepares for a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU and 
its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

He made the remarks during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael 
Miller at the Planning Commission in Agargaon, where the two sides discussed 
strengthening bilateral trade, increasing investment, removing non-tariff 
barriers (NTBs), and advancing preparations for a Bangladesh-EU FTA.

The government has already made significant progress in addressing issues 
raised by the EU and is committed to fulfilling all international 
obligations, the minister said.

"The government considers all concerns and expectations of the EU with great 
importance, and we are working to resolve them one by one," he said.

Muktadir said the government is creating a more conducive environment for 
foreign investment by reducing trade barriers and strengthening international 
confidence in Bangladesh's economy.

He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would help establish a favorable 
investment climate, resolve energy-related challenges, eliminate trade 
obstacles, and improve the efficiency of state-owned industries through 
private sector management, placing the country's economy on a stronger 
footing.

The Commerce Minister also highlighted the importance of close cooperation 
with the European Union to ensure a smooth transition in the post-LDC period 
and to pave the way for a comprehensive Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement.

During the meeting, EU Ambassador Michael Miller said the European Union is 
ready to begin exploratory discussions on an FTA with Bangladesh and has 
already submitted a formal proposal to the government. 

He emphasized the need for timely reforms, removal of non-tariff barriers, 
and further improvements to the business environment to facilitate progress 
in future negotiations.

Senior government officials, including Internal Resources Division Secretary 
Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, and 
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Ayesha Akhter, were present 
at the meeting.