Bangladesh is discussing with the United States (US) to host the debut meeting under the much-talked-about deal – Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (Ticfa) – by the first week of March.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Akramul Qader already had a meeting with US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal in Washington on Friday where the issue was also discussed.
“Yes, we’re planning to arrange the meeting (of Ticfa) at the beginning of March. But it depends on mutual understanding between both sides,” Ambassador Quader told UNB over phone on Saturday.
Responding to a question, the envoy said there had been nothing serious discussion with the US Assistant Secretary during the meeting. “It’s part of our regular meeting.”
Meanwhile, an official at the Foreign Ministry said the Ministry is preparing to hold the meeting by the first week of March.
He said it is a lengthy process since the business community from both the countries will be part of the meeting.
On November 25, Dhaka and Washington signed the Ticfa in Washington which the government thinks will help expand trade and investment between Bangladesh and the USA through enhanced cooperation.
Acting Deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) Wendy Cutler and Bangladesh Commerce Secretary Mahbub Ahmed signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides.
-UNB
