Bangladesh urges US to grant DFQF market access to LDCs

Bangladesh on Wednesday called upon the United States for granting Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) market access to US for all the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

"If the USA provides the facilities to Bangladesh, then Bangladesh will be able to export more to the USA, which would ensure more empowerment of women and containment of extremism in Bangladesh, said Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin.

He made the observations when he met with US Republican Congressman from Washington State and also the chairman of the House Ways & Means Sub-Committee on Trade Dave Reichert in Washington DC, according to a message received here.

During the meeting, Ambassador Ziauddin apprised the Congressman of the sense of discrimination that prevails among fourteen LDCs for not getting DFQF market access to the USA.

Currently 34 LDCs out of 48 are benefitting from US DFQF scheme under AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act).

The Ambassador further informed the Congressman that all the 48 LDCs get DFQF facility from the European Union. Therefore, he said it is a matter of justice and fairness that the US - which is champion of human rights and rule of law - should provide equal treatment to all.

The Bangladesh envoy also highlighted development activities in Bangladesh in various sectors including Education, Women Empowerment and Counter-Terrorism.

He informed the Congressman about prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s 'zero tolerance' policy against all forms of extremism and terrorism.

He also mentioned the ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism between Bangladesh and its neighbours and the USA through intelligence sharing and other capacity building measures.

The Ambassador informed that more than four million garment workers in Bangladesh are women who are contributing to transforming society by alleviating poverty and containing the menace of extremism.

Moreover, the Bangladesh government is modernising its madrasa education system so the students can get rid of extremist ideas and can better adapt with society.

During an hour-long meeting Congressman Reichert agreed there should be fair trade among the countries.

He suggested that a Congressional delegation can visit the LDCs including Bangladesh to explore further trade possibilities. The Ambassador thanked him for his interest.

Toufique Hasan, minister (political) of the Embassy and Joshua Snead, Trade Counsel of the Subcommittee of Trade were present during the meeting, the message added.