The investors of Bangladesh Export Processing Zones have expressed their deep appreciation for the government’s prompt and strategic initiative following the recent announcement by the US administration of imposing a 37 per cent ‘reciprocal tariff’ on Bangladeshi exports.
In a letter to the chief adviser, Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Investors’ Association president Shahadat Musharraf Khan acknowledged the decisive leadership in immediately convening a high-level meeting to address concerns within the export sector.
They also appreciated the direct diplomatic efforts to engage with the US president, including the formal request to postpone the tariff’s implementation for three months while taking steps to reduce the bilateral trade deficit.
The letter said that the government’s commitment to facilitating increased US exports to Bangladesh by eliminating several non-tariff barriers, including rationalising packaging, labelling, and certification requirements, removing certain testing mandates, and simplifying customs procedures, reflects a constructive and forward-looking approach to trade facilitation.
The association also welcomed the forthcoming letter from the commerce adviser to the US trade representative, outlining the specific actions to address trade concerns.
BEPZIA also said that those industries within the EPZs, including the readymade garments sector, textiles, electronics, leather goods, agro-processing, and wigs, were deeply concerned by the potential impact of the sudden policy shift.
They pledged their full support for continued efforts to safeguard and enhance Bangladesh’s trade interests, expressing confidence that diplomatic and pragmatic engagements will help ease the situation and strengthen trade ties.
