Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman met US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer in Washington, D.C. on Thursday afternoon, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Friday. Dr. Rahman also held a separate meeting with US Deputy Trade Representative Brendan Lynch. During the talks, he highlighted progress in reducing the trade deficit between Bangladesh and the United States and proposed lowering the existing 20 percent reciprocal tariff.

Ambassador Greer assured that the proposal would be considered positively and agreed to review Dr. Rahman’s suggestion to reduce or remove tariffs on garments made with US raw materials. Both sides agreed to resolve outstanding issues quickly to finalize and implement the reciprocal tariff agreement. Dr. Rahman noted that increased trade would strengthen business connections between the two countries.

He also urged the US side to ease business travel for Bangladeshis following the country’s inclusion in the US visa bond program and requested access to Development Finance Corporation (DFC) funds for Bangladesh’s private sector. Ambassador Greer expressed willingness to cooperate on these matters.