Also discussed the economic potential of Bangladesh: Charles Whiteley

Online desk: Ambassador Charles Whiteley said that the European Union (EU) trade with Bangladesh is worth 24 billion Euros and wants to increase it further. He said this to reporters after a meeting with Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali at the Finance Minister's office at the Secretariat on Monday (February 5).

When reporters asked about the discussion in the meeting, the EU ambassador said, "There were many important discussions between us on various issues." It was a courtesy call. We talked about Bangladesh's cooperation with the European Union. Besides, we also discussed the economic potential of Bangladesh.

He said, we are working in Bangladesh on various issues including social security. We also talked about budget support in those cases. European Union has important relations with Bangladesh in terms of trade and business.

He also said that the European Union has an investment of 24 billion euros in Bangladesh. We are very interested in expanding European investment and trade in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has great potential in that regard.

The ambassador said, we are very hopeful to know the plans of the Finance Minister soon after taking charge. Therefore, our expectations for working as a support partner for Bangladesh have increased.

Has there been any talk about the plan for 2026? When asked such a question by the journalists, Whitley said, Bangladesh's transition from a least developed (LDC) country should be easy, that is what we want. We are also emphasizing on this. Because it is important for Bangladesh and European Union.

He said, of course, I want easy conversion to GSP Plus. This is the main foundation of our relationship. This is important for the 2026 process.

He also said that we are focusing more on how we can help increase investment in Bangladesh through the European Chambers of Commerce.

When asked by journalists whether labor rights and human rights were discussed, he said, no, no. There was no talk about labor rights and human rights.

 

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