The second EU-Bangladesh Business Climate Dialogue between the EU Business Council (EUBC) and the Ministry of Commerce
The second EU-Bangladesh Business Climate Dialogue between the EU Business Council (EUBC) and the Ministry of Commerce was held in Dhaka on 8 December 2016. The second dialogue focused on progress of policy actions which need to be taken to improve the situation for EU trade and investment since both sides met for the first time in May this year.
The Hon’ Commerce Minister, HE Tofail Ahmed MP, and senior officials from various ministries and agencies attended from the government of Bangladesh. On the EU side, the EU Ambassador and the Heads of the Diplomatic Missions of the EU Member States as well as representatives from the EU private sector in Bangladesh participated in the Dialogue. During the first meeting held on 12 May, 5 important areas were reviewed for interventions.
Various recommendations came forward, which were discussed at today’s meeting. The discussion took place in a constructive atmosphere recalling the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and the European Union. SBCCI President Nuria Lopez was very upfront to her point of discussion and that happens to be Import Duty/Customs/Trade Facilitations. EU stressed the need for expanding European exports and investment. In that context, 5 important areas were discussed recommendations formulated to improve the business climate in Bangladesh, including import duties/custom/trade facilitation, licenses and investment in services sector, financial flows, tax regime and pharmaceuticals. Both sides agreed to pursue the dialogue in 2017.