US Private Sector Can Help Unlock Bangladesh’s Growth Potential

The United States private sector has the potential to drive Bangladesh's growth through increased trade and investment, provided the right economic reforms are implemented, the US Embassy in Dhaka stated on Saturday.

"From energy security to data centers and transportation, US businesses are making positive contributions across various sectors of Bangladesh’s economy," the embassy said following a trade and investment-focused discussion in the capital.

Leading the discussion on behalf of the US was Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury, along with its Director Jerrod Mason. Other notable participants included Chargé d'affaires (ad interim) of the US Embassy in Dhaka, Helen LaFave, Political/Economic Counselor Eric Geelan, and USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman.

Representing the Bangladeshi side were Syed Ershad Ahmed, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), Vice-President Eric M. Walker, MetLife Bangladesh CEO Ala Uddin Ahmad, Mastercard Country Manager Syed Mohammad Kamal, and GE Country Manager Nowshad Ali.

Earlier, Assistant Secretary Brent Neiman arrived in Dhaka to lead a US delegation to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. He was welcomed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Khandker Masudul Alam, Director General (North America) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dhaka has prepared for comprehensive discussions, as this visit marks the first high-level US delegation to Bangladesh following the establishment of the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, joined the delegation later in the day after concluding his tour of India.

The delegation is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed. Other official engagements are planned as well.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin will also host a working lunch, with representatives from key ministries in attendance. The discussions will cover a broad spectrum of topics, not limited to a single issue, Foreign Secretary Jashim confirmed.

A US State Department spokesperson stated that the talks will focus on how the US can assist Bangladesh in achieving its economic growth goals, financial stability, and development objectives.

Assistant Secretary Lu's visit underscores the US commitment to promoting economic growth and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.