The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has praised the recent progress on US tariff reductions, calling it a pivotal development for Bangladesh’s textile sector. The commendation comes after an official visit to Washington, D.C., where BTMA leaders engaged with US officials and business leaders.
Led by President Showkat Aziz Russell, the delegation expressed appreciation to Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and his team for their efforts in negotiating a substantial reduction in US tariffs on Ready-Made Garments (RMG) exports. This achievement is seen as a major boost to Bangladesh’s export competitiveness and strengthens bilateral trade relations with the United States, according to a BTMA press release.
During the high-level meetings, member mills of BTMA reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade ties with the US by pledging to increase imports of American cotton. Notable participating mills included Mosharaf Composite Textile Mills Ltd, represented by Mosharaf Hossain; Asia Composite Mills Ltd, represented by Masud Rana; and Salma Group, represented by Chowdhury Md Hanif Shoeb and Salma Chowdhury.
The delegation was accompanied by senior government officials such as Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Additional Secretary (WTO Wing) Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury. The visit also featured an evening reception hosted by DM Salahuddin Mahmud, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.
The delegation also held discussions with the president of the US Chamber of Commerce and representatives from leading American business entities. The meetings saw American business leaders expressing keen interest in expanding trade and investment opportunities with Bangladesh.
During the engagements, Bangladesh’s commerce adviser assured US counterparts of the government’s full support in creating a conducive environment for mutual growth and cooperation. The visit underscores Bangladesh’s commitment.
