US pvt sector can help unlock Bangladesh’s growth potential

The United States (US) private sector can help
unlock Bangladesh’s growth potential through trade and investment with the
right economic reforms in place, the US Embassy in Dhaka said here today.

“From energy security to data centers to transportation, US businesses play a
positive role in many facets of Bangladesh’s economy,” said the Embassy after
a trade and investment-related discussion in the capital.

Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the
Treasury Brent Neiman, its Director Jerrod Mason, Chargé d’affaires (ad interim), US
Embassy Dhaka Helen LaFave, its Political/Economic Counselor Eric Geelan and
Mission Director of US Agency for International Development (USAID) Reed
Aeschliman joined the meeting representing the US side.

American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) President Syed Ershad
Ahmed, Vice-President Eric M Walker, MetLife in Bangladesh Chief Executive
Officer Ala Uddin Ahmad, Country Manager Mastercard Syed Mohammad Kamal and
Country Manager of GE Nowshad Ali were also present.

Earlier this morning, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US
Department of the Treasury Brent Neiman arrived in Dhaka to lead a US
delegation to discuss issues pertaining to bilateral relations.

He was received at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by foreign
ministry’s Director General (North America) Khandker Masudul Alam, in the
capital, foreign ministry’s sources said here.

Dhaka has taken prepared for a comprehensive and multi-faceted discussion as
it welcomed the first US high level delegation following the formation of the
interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian
Affairs Donald Lu also joined the delegation this afternoon after wrapping up
his India tour.

The US delegation is scheduled to meet with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, Foreign
Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in
addition to engaging in other official meetings.

Foreign Secretary Jashim will also host a working lunch which will be
attended by representatives from relevant ministries.

The discussions will cover a wide range of topics, not just a single issue,
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told media regarding the visit.

According to a spokesperson from the US Department of State, the discussions
will focus on how the United States can contribute to Bangladesh’s economic
growth, financial stability, and development priorities.

During his visit, the state department earlier said Assistant Secretary Lu
will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to fostering economic growth and
stability across the Indo-Pacific region. (BSS)