Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday said that the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Bangladesh and the US is expected to play a positive role in attracting foreign investment, strengthening energy security, and enhancing Bangladesh’s position in global supply chains.
The agreement was signed on February 9, 2026 -- just three days before the national election.
The foreign minister in his scripted answer to a query of AKM Fazlul Haque Milon at the parliament said under the agreement, Bangladeshi apparel made with US cotton will enjoy zero tariffs. The question and answer session was tabled during Wednesday’s session, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
Khalilur said the expanding export markets, diversifying exports, attracting international investment, and achieving employment oriented economic growth are among the government’s top priorities.
To this end, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), and the Ministry of Commerce are working in coordination to advance economic diplomacy.
He added that alongside traditional markets in Europe and America, Bangladesh has strengthened its commercial presence in emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.
To secure market expansion and tariff benefits, Bangladesh is pursuing Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with various countries. Talks on a CEPA with the UAE have begun, while negotiations for FTAs with Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are progressing. Efforts are also underway to deepen engagement with regional platforms such as the GCC and MERCOSUR.
The minister noted that diplomatic initiatives are opening new opportunities in agriculture and non traditional export sectors. Recently, Bangladesh gained access to export potatoes to Vietnam, while work is ongoing to export mangoes to Malaysia.
Responding to a separate question from Feni-2 MP Joynal Abdin, Khalilur said the government is committed to strengthening Bangladesh’s global presence, advancing economic diplomacy, and serving expatriate Bangladeshis.
In line with the “Bangladesh First” policy, steps are being taken to make the country’s diplomatic infrastructure abroad stronger, more effective, and cost efficient. Currently, chancery operations are conducted in government-owned buildings in 20 missions across 17 countries, with four more projects underway. The remaining missions operate from rented premises, costing the government about Tk 100 crore annually.
The foreign minister also said establishing permanent diplomatic facilities abroad is considered a long term investment. New chancery buildings and state-owned diplomatic complexes are being developed, which will reduce government expenditure over time while enhancing Bangladesh’s prestige and diplomatic effectiveness.