US pvt sector can help unlock Bangladesh’s growth potential

The United States (US) private sector can help unlock Bangladesh's growth potential through trade and investment with the right economic reforms in place, the US Embassy in Dhaka said on Saturday.

"From energy security to data centers to transportation, US businesses play a positive role in many facets of Bangladesh's economy," said the Embassy after a trade and investment-related discussion in the capital, reports BSS.

Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury Brent Neiman, its Director Jerrod Mason, Chargé d'affaires (ad interim), US Embassy Dhaka Helen LaFave, its Political/Economic Counselor Eric Geelan and Mission Director of US Agency for International Development (USAID) Reed Aeschliman joined the meeting representing the US side.

American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) President Syed Ershad Ahmed, Vice-President Eric M Walker, MetLife in Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer Ala Uddin Ahmad, Country Manager Mastercard Syed Mohammad Kamal and Country Manager of GE Nowshad Ali were also present.

Earlier this morning, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury Brent Neiman arrived in Dhaka to lead a US delegation to discuss issues pertaining to bilateral relations.

He was received at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by foreign ministry's Director General (North America) Khandker Masudul Alam, in the capital, foreign ministry's sources said here.

Dhaka has taken prepared for a comprehensive and multi-faceted discussion as it welcomed the first US high level delegation following the formation of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu also joined the delegation this afternoon after wrapping up his India tour.

The US delegation is scheduled to meet with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in addition to engaging in other official meetings.

Foreign Secretary Jashim will also host a working lunch which will be attended by representatives from relevant ministries.

The discussions will cover a wide range of topics, not just a single issue, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told media regarding the visit.

According to a spokesperson from the US Department of State, the discussions will focus on how the United States can contribute to Bangladesh's economic growth, financial stability, and development priorities.

During his visit, the state department earlier said Assistant Secretary Lu will reaffirm the United States' commitment to fostering economic growth and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.