A delegation from Bangladesh has sought support from the European Union (EU) to help continue the economic growth momentum of the country.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, who led the delegation, conveyed this during a meeting with Paola Pampaloni, deputy managing director (Asia and Pacific Department) at the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels on Thursday, read a press release.
Other members of the delegation were BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) President Faruque Hassan, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Bangladesh Ambassador to Belgium Mahbub Hassan Saleh, Deputy Head of Mission Preeti Rahman, former president of MCCI (Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Nihad Kabir, and Commercial Counsellor Md Saiful Azam.
Both sides discussed further deepening of ties between the European Union and Bangladesh, Everything But Arms (EBA), labour welfare and rights and other issues of mutual interests.
The delegation apprised Paola Pampaloni of Bangladesh’s impressive achievements in terms of economic performance and huge progress in terms of key socio-economic fronts where industrial sectors, especially the RMG (ready-made garment) industry, have significant contributions.
They also gave her an account of how the economic development achieved over the time has impacted the social lives of people positively.
As Bangladesh is pursuing higher growth vision mostly driven by the industrial sector, the country would need the support of the EU especially in terms of preferential access to the EU which is the most important market for Bangladesh’s exports, the release read.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said the EU accounts for about 60 per cent of Bangladesh's exports — of those, more than 90 per cent are textile and clothing items.
“We thank the European Union for allowing Bangladesh preferential market access to its market that has helped our industry to come to today’s position. Given the industry’s massive impacts on the lives of millions of people and the economy as a whole, we need to have continued support of the EU, especially in terms of preferential market access for the export sectors including the RMG industry, even after graduation from LDC for sustainable development of Bangladesh,” he added.
