U.S. Chamber Applauds U.S.-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue

Offers Recommendations to Strengthen the Bilateral Commercial Relationship

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's U.S.-Bangladesh Working Group today expressed its strong support for the second Partnership Dialogue between the United States and Bangladesh recently held in Dhaka.

“This dialogue is a critical mechanism to promote trust and cooperation in key areas of the bilateral relationship,” said Tami Overby, the Chamber’s vice president for Asia. “We applaud efforts to bring together government officials, private sector representatives, and other key stakeholders during this last round of talks to discuss impediments to enhanced two-way trade and investment and identify opportunities moving forward.”

In advance of the dialogue, the Working Group released a report titled, “United States and Bangladesh: Toward the Future,” which highlights the country’s prospects to achieve middle-income country status by 2021. The report identifies barriers to further investment and growth in the country, and offers recommendations to help create a better business environment both for U.S. companies in Bangladesh, and also those looking to enter the market. These include strengthening rule of law, enhancing energy security, addressing infrastructure challenges, creating a transparent regulatory system, developing competitive financial services, and promoting corporate social responsibility.

“While we recognize the challenges, we remain hopeful that both countries can take the necessary steps to further our commercial ties,” Overby said. “Our members look forward to working together with government officials, the Bangladeshi private sector, and key stakeholders to resolve pressing issues in the bilateral trade and investment relationship.”

Launched in 2012, the U.S.-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue is a critical forum for further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including development, civil society and governance; trade and investment; security and countering violent extremism; science and technology; women’s empowerment and gender equality.

The U.S.-Bangladesh Working Group aims to promote bilateral dialogue between business and government leaders, shape advocacy efforts on pressing issues in the bilateral trade and investment relationship, and promote a competitive Bangladeshi market through enhancing the country’s investment and regulatory climate.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 50 regional and policy experts and 12 country-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 116 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.