Achievement Reached in U.S. Tariff Adjustment, According to Shafiqul Alam

The interim government of Bangladesh has secured a significant victory in its foreign policy endeavours, with a 20% tariff reduction agreed upon in negotiations with the United States. This achievement, despite claims of the government's weakness and inexperience, has placed Bangladesh's economy on a new platform for prosperity.

Shafiqul Alam, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, described the outcome as a major achievement. He expressed optimism that this development would deepen trade ties with the US further and provide more access to the vast US market.

The success of the tariff negotiations was a major foreign policy challenge for the interim government. The government was confident from the outset that a good agreement with the US was possible. To facilitate increased foreign investment, making Chattogram Port more efficient and reforming the logistics system are prerequisites. If Chattogram Port can be made as efficient as Singapore's, foreign investment cannot be stopped.

Bangladesh's exports to markets in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East are increasing rapidly. The country is a significant player in various sectors including cotton, oil, poultry feed, and edible oil, which were used as leverage in negotiations.

The government's focus during the tariff negotiations was on areas where realistic and immediate results could be achieved. Steps taken by the interim government have helped bring inflation under control, increase foreign exchange reserves, and restore stability to the economy.

A roundtable discussion titled "Bangladesh and Trump Tariffs: Economic Diplomacy in a World after Trade Regime" was held at the Daily Star Bhaban in Farmgate and was organized by the Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN). Speakers at the discussion included Dhaka University Professor Dr Rashed Al Titumir, economists Jyoti Rahman, and Zia Hasan.

The government is also focusing on diversifying markets beyond the US. Bangladesh managed to counter misleading information circulated by a neighbouring country's media through accurate diplomatic preparations.

Achieving 4% growth in the post-uprising period is not insignificant. If the government can maintain this momentum, Bangladesh could be on its way to becoming a major player in the global economy. The future looks promising for Bangladesh, and the tariff negotiation success is a testament to the government's determination and resilience.