Business
EU envoy links deeper Bangladesh trade ties to institutional reform
EU Ambassador Michael Miller says a future trade agreement with Bangladesh must be balanced and reciprocal. Speaking in Dhaka on 4 October, he linked deeper economic ties to accountable institutions, labour and human rights, environmental protection and predictable rules for investors. No completed agreement was announced.
The European Union is exploring a future free-trade agreement with Bangladesh, but any arrangement would need to offer balanced benefits and rest on stronger institutions, the bloc’s ambassador said on 4 October.
Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka, Michael Miller said the EU wanted to move beyond a relationship defined by aid. He described Bangladesh as a partner of growing strategic importance as it approaches graduation from least developed country status.
Miller said the first question was whether the two sides had sufficient common ground for a reciprocal agreement. He linked its prospects to the rule of law, labour and human rights, environmental protection and accountable government.
The ambassador also argued that attracting investment and creating jobs would require independent oversight, transparent administration and more predictable decision-making. He urged continued work on constitutional reform and greater political agreement over institutional change.
Miller pointed to the Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram and green bonds as examples of European economic engagement. He said Europe could bring technology, standards, long-term capital and experience in public-administration reform.
The remarks set out conditions for a closer partnership. Negotiating a trade agreement would require further decisions by both sides; no completed deal was announced.
