As Bangladesh inches closer to graduate to a developing nation and economists advocate signing preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) to address the challenges that Bangladesh might face post the transition, Dhaka is seeking to conclude a PTA with Sri Lanka in April next.

Media reports maintained this adding under the proposed deal, both the sides have already exchanged request lists of products (Bangladesh earlier sent a list of more than 100 products, while Sri Lanka sent 112), seeking duty-free access from the respective sides while adding the final offer lists of products from both sides will be sent virtually later this month, citing a senior official of the Commerce Ministry.

“…we need to sign several PTAs and FTAs before graduation…,” reportedly, maintained another high-rung official of the Commerce Ministry, speaking to the media.