The United States is working to narrow its trade imbalance with Bangladesh while strengthening bilateral trade and investment through closer business engagement and an improved investment climate, US Commercial Counsellor Paul Frost said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a meeting with leaders of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at the World Trade Centre in Chattogram, Frost said the US Embassy is focused on expanding commercial relations by connecting American and Bangladeshi businesses and promoting greater investment between the two countries.
“Our objective is to strengthen trade and investment, facilitate business-to-business partnerships, and better understand the expectations of Bangladesh’s business community,” he said.
Frost encouraged Chattogram’s business leaders to work closely with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh to expand commercial cooperation with US companies.
He also noted that the US government is working with the Bangladesh government and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to facilitate investment, emphasizing that improving the ease of doing business remains essential to attracting more foreign investors.
CCCI Calls for Greater US Investment
CCCI President Mohammad Amirul Haque said the United States remains Bangladesh’s largest export destination for ready-made garments and stressed the importance of further strengthening bilateral economic ties.
He invited American companies to invest in Bangladesh’s major infrastructure and economic transformation projects, including transport corridors, expressways, MRT systems and port development.
Highlighting Chattogram’s strategic importance as the country’s principal commercial hub, Amirul urged US investors to explore opportunities in the proposed Chattogram Free Trade Zone, Bay Terminal, Matarbari Deep Sea Port and Sonadia Deep Sea Port projects.
He noted that the planned Free Trade Zone would offer investors a simplified regulatory framework, allowing businesses to operate under a single trade licence.
“Bangladesh is not seeking charity. We seek a strong economic partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests, where both countries benefit,” he said.
Focus on Business Climate and Connectivity
US Deputy Political and Economic Counsellor David Moo said Washington is working with Bangladesh to improve the country’s business environment and remove barriers to trade and investment.
He noted that while many American companies already operate in Bangladesh, others are exploring investment opportunities, adding that regulatory reforms would further strengthen bilateral commercial engagement.
Business leaders at the meeting also highlighted the strong reputation of US machinery and technology in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector and called for greater American participation in business summits and industrial investment.
They further urged US investment in agriculture, bonded warehouse facilities, cotton and man-made fibre industries, alongside proposals to improve visa services for Bangladeshi students and Bangladeshi-origin US citizens, establish a US consular office in Chattogram, launch direct Dhaka–New York flights and support investment in the proposed Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway.
The meeting underscored the growing interest of both countries in expanding trade, investment and business collaboration to support long-term economic growth and strengthen the Bangladesh-US strategic economic partnership.
