At the 6th meeting of Ticfa on 6th December, Bangladesh would seek from the United States duty-free access for Bangladeshi apparel produced from US cotton to its market.
It is expected that the Bangladesh negotiators will also request the US authorities to reduce the tariff on the import of Bangladesh readymade garments as well. Sources in the commerce ministry of Bangladesh revealed that the United States has included the issue of withdrawing cotton fumigation conditions imposed by Bangladesh. This indicates that the US is interested in exporting cotton to Bangladesh.
The Bangladeshi delegation would stress removing duties on garments made from US cotton as it would lure the Bangladeshi industry to import more cotton from the US.
The US on its part would bring up issues regarding labor rights e.g. freedom of association and collective bargaining, safe and healthy working environment, labor rights in EPZ, child labor, and forced labor. In addition, the US is expected to take up intellectual property rights.
Bangladesh will also request the United States Food and Drug Administration to simplify the procedure for the registration of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products. Besides, it would seek restoration of a generalised system of preferences that were suspended by the US in 2013 on serious violations of labor rights. This has deprived the country of numerous financing facilities as well.
