Staff Correspondent:

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, on Thursday expressed interest in exploring comprehensive economic partnership agreements with developed countries underscoring the need for inclusive negotiations with major trade partners.

This is needed to avoid imbalances that harm exporters and consumers alike, she said. She also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to lead in sustainable development and trade-driven green growth.

Rizwana made these remarks during a meeting with Ratnakar Adhikari, executive director of the Executive Secretariat for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) at the World Trade Organization (WTO), held in the capital.

The meeting covered a broad range of topics, including enhancing Bangladesh’s trade resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty, expanding regional cooperation and attracting investment in green industrial infrastructure.

She also mentioned that to ensure long-term economic stability, Bangladesh must achieve strategic autonomy by developing alternative logistics and export routes. “Our economic sovereignty is vital for national survival.”

EIF Chief Adhikari discussed global trade dynamics impacting Bangladesh’s key export sectors, particularly ready-made garments and stressed the need for fast-tracking the development of export-oriented industrial facilities.

He also emphasised the importance of diversifying trade partnerships and responding to shifting regional trade policies.

Highlighting the link between trade and climate action, Adhikari spoke about Bangladesh’s potential to access international climate finance through better coordination between trade and environmental policies.

He shared examples from EIF-supported countries like the Gambia, where coordinated efforts led to the formulation of green recovery plans and major investment proposals for sustainable industrial development.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing sustainable trade practices, strengthening regional ties, and pursuing innovative solutions for green industrial transformation.