The much-talked-about Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement (Ticfa) between Bangladesh and the USA is likely to be signed within the next few weeks, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment.US Ambassador in Dhaka came up with the updates while talking to reporters after a meeting with Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque at the Foreign Ministry.
On June 17, the cabinet approved the draft of Ticfa, a legally ‘nonbinding’ agreement that emphasises prohibition of protectionist trade policy, which was supposed to be signed at a mutually convenient time as soon as possible.
The US envoy also discussed issues relating to GSP, connectivity, Rohingya and Foreign Secretary’s recent visit to Myanmar. Mozena said the US wants good relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Responding to a question on Grameen Bank issue, Mozena said there have been many successes that the bank carries and everybody will have to be careful about its future.
He also said the US expects an acceptable Managing Director will be appointed for the Grameen Bank.
Shahidul Haque said though the issues of Ticfa signing and combating terrorism were discussed no date has been fixed for signing those.
The US envoy also met State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher afroze Chumki at her Secretariat office.
They discussed issues related to GSP, women’s empowerment, child mortality and RMG during the meeting.
Mozena in the meeting said a strategy has been formulated for restoring GSP benefit in the US market and ensuring continuation of GSP facility in the EU market, according to a PID handout.
He said the US will work with Bangladesh to make its RMG number one brand in the world if Bangladesh can prevent accidents like Rana Plaza.
Meher Afroze said the GSP ‘cancellation’ for Bangladesh in the US market will hamper women’s empowerment in the country.
She also said the government is constructing a separate hostel at Ashulia for the women working in the RMG industry.
Mozena said the USA is giving priority to women’s empowerment and children’s development and mentioned that USAID is spending US$ 200 million in Bangladesh for women development. – UNB
