Special Correspondent: Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government, has written to US President Donald Trump seeking a three-month suspension of the 37 percent tariff imposed by the US on Bangladeshi goods.
The letter was sent on Monday (April 7). This information was obtained from the press wing of the chief advisor.
The letter states, “We assure you that Bangladesh will take all necessary steps to fully implement your trade agenda. Following your announcement, I have sent my High Representative to Washington DC to significantly increase American exports to the fast-growing market of Bangladesh, a country of 170 million people. We are the first country to take such a positive initiative.
‘We are the first country to sign a multi-year agreement to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States after the suspension of exports was lifted. Our officials have been working since then to identify a specific action plan to rapidly increase American exports to Bangladesh. The Trade Advisor will work with the US Trade Representative to strengthen our relationship with the US Trade Representative on our detailed activities.
The letter said, “The main focus of our action plan is to significantly increase imports of US products, including cotton, wheat, corn, soybeans, and other products, which will contribute to the income and livelihood of US farmers. To accelerate the market for US cotton, we are finalizing bonded warehousing facilities in Bangladesh, where US duty-free facilities will be available.”
Dr. Yunus said in the letter, Bangladesh has tariffs on most US exports to the South Asian region. We are committed to zero tariffs on the above-mentioned US agricultural products and scrap metals. We are working to reduce tariffs by 50 percent on top US exports of gas turbines, semiconductors and medical equipment.
‘We have already completed the necessary steps to launch Starlink in Bangladesh. This speed of internet will usher in a new era for US businesses in Bangladesh in several advanced technology sectors, including civil aviation and defense.’
In the letter, Professor Muhammad Yunus further wrote, we are hopeful of completing the ongoing and planned work plans within the next three months. Please give us the necessary time to smoothly implement important tasks in consultation with US officials. I would like to request you to suspend the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on Bangladesh’s exports to the United States for three months. I sincerely hope that you will keep this request.
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