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Bangladesh

While Bangladesh may not appear to be a major player on the bilateral FTA front, it is currently under many pressures and involved in various discussions:

 The government was dealt harsh arrangements from the EU in the two parties’ trade and development cooperation agreement of 2001, through which Dhaka accepted WTO-plus demands from the EU, for instance to allow corporate monopoly rights over seeds (patenting);
 The government was in controversial talks with the US over a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, a preliminary to a possible FTA with Washington; but decided not to sign one in 2010 after several years of discussions. The US subsequently asked Bangladesh to sign a Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum deal, but this has not yet been signed;
  India has been pushing for a bilateral FTA with Bangladesh, but the World Bank has made clear that India would benefit more;
 Pakistan has been pushing for an FTA with Bangladesh as well;
 Bangladesh, for its part, is interested in developing an FTA with China.

Apart from all these, the government is either negotiating or considering negotiating FTAs with Iran, Turkey, Bhutan, Malaysia, Morocco and Sri Lanka.

On a regional level, Bangladesh is a member of SAARC, which has its own FTA, as well as BIMSTEC, which also aims to develop one.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Solidarity Center/CC BY-ND 2.0


Dhaka, Tokyo look for free trade agreement
Bangladesh and Japan would explore scopes for signing a free trade agreement for boosting bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.
FTAs top priority in Bangladesh’s post-LDC strategy
While negotiations are underway with the WTO and the EU to get existing trade benefits extended beyond LDC graduation, Bangladesh sign FTAs with Canada, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Russia, and Australia before 2026.
Joint study on India-Bangladesh trade pact to be finalised soon: commerce ministry
Both countries will soon finalise a joint study on the prospects of entering into a bilateral free trade agreement, to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Egypt, Bangladesh to launch direct flights in April targeting intra-regional trade stimulation
Minister for Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh said that his country is in discussions with Egypt regarding the signing of a free trade agreement to cancel customs tariffs, which will foster bilateral trade.
Dhaka likely to sign PTA with Colombo in April next
Final offer lists of products from both sides will be sent virtually later in January, said a senior official of the commerce ministry in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh eyes more tie-up with Australia
As the possibility of a free-trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Australia is unlikely soon, trade officials suggest signing a bilateral investment treaty to bolster investment.
Bangladesh, Singapore agree on accelerating signing of FTA
Bangladesh and Singapore have agreed to accelerate the signing of free trade agreement (FTA) to boost trade and investment.
Dhaka eager to sign FTA with Eurasian Economic Union
Bangladesh has formally conveyed to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) its intent to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) as the country prepares for a socioeconomic status change.
Dhaka to focus on removal of non-tariff barriers, at India-Bangladesh talks
Bangladesh and India were now jointly studying the pros and cons of signing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
CEPA negotiations with India start next year
Negotiations for signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India will begin next year as the related feasibility study has entered its final stage.