Bangladesh expressed a commitment to address issues related to improving workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining in export processing zones (EPZs) and gradually in other sectors across Bangladesh’s economy during the just concluded high-level Economic Consultation in Washington.
This was stated in the joint statement issued on Friday.
Salman F. Rahman, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Private Industry and Investment, and Jose W. Fernandez, US State Department Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, co-chaired the day-long meeting held in the State Department in Washington.
In response to Bangladesh’s request for providing US development finance from DFC for a wide range of infrastructure opportunities, the US side assured to consider Bangladesh’s request while emphasizing the need for Bangladesh to implement the ILO road map.
Apart from labour, the meeting discussed issues related to the expansion of bilateral trade and investment, climate change, energy cooperation and infrastructure development.
Lauding the Government of Bangladesh for making progress with respect to workers’ rights in Bangladesh, the United States urged Bangladesh to take further steps to adhere to internationally recognized labour rights standards, including those developed by Bangladesh for its International Labor Organization (ILO) road map.
Bangladesh expressed its commitment to swiftly pass necessary reforms and fully implement the four priority areas of the ILO road map, the joint statement said.
Both sides decided that the effective implementation and enforcement of international labour standards can help the economies of both countries recover from the pandemic, broaden economic gains, and unlock further economic potential with other trade partners by creating an attractive business environment.
The United States highlighted Bangladesh’s evident potential to be a regional leader in digital trade and noted with appreciation steps taken by Bangladesh to adopt a transparent regulatory environment to secure broad-based foreign investment in its bourgeoning digital economy sector.
In the meeting, Bangladesh welcomed investment from US firms in Bangladesh, including in the renewable energy, telecommunications, and agricultural and food processing sectors and to its economic zones.
Bangladesh also welcomed a US concept of a US-Bangladesh Women’s Council, which would enhance women’s employment, entrepreneurship, and access to educational opportunities in support of a more equitable future.
Both sides decided to coordinate more on implementing existing transparent commercial policies and consistent enforcement of intellectual property rights in Bangladesh, the joint statement said.
The United States also highlighted Bangladesh’s role as a global climate leader and both sides emphasized the importance of delivering on and strengthening existing commitments in the lead-up to COP 27.
The United States encouraged Bangladesh to consider joining the Global Methane Pledge, urge major emitting countries to do more on climate initiatives, and continue outlining adaptation priorities, the joint statement said adding that Bangladesh welcomed USAID’s climate support, including a review of embankments to assess the feasibility of nature-based solutions to protect critical biodiverse areas from degradation.
Both countries share a common vision of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and secure Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all, the statement mentioned.
In the meeting, the United States briefed Bangladesh on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and Bangladesh welcomed additional information on the supply chain resilience and decarbonization pillars of the IPEF.
Bangladesh also sought US technical assistance to sustainably explore its ocean resources and further develop its blue economy in pursuit of environmental protection and economic prosperity.
Bangladesh highlighted that re-starting non-stop flights between New York City and Dhaka is a high priority and both sides are committed to taking the next steps to move this forward at the earliest.
Bangladesh delegation included Md. Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs; Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister; Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, MP; Begum Shamsun Nahar, MP; M Shahidul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States and other senior officials of the government, said a spokesperson of the foreign ministry.
Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, Assistant US Trade Representative Christopher Wilson, Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs, Department of Labour Ms Thea Lee and other senior officials of the relevant US departments were present at the meeting.
Adviser Salman F. Rahman underscored business to business and people to people contacts as the key elements for enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam stated that the continuity of coherent policies under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the key to Bangladesh’s tremendous socio-economic progress during the past 13 years.
Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez applauded Bangladesh’s remarkable economic growth and tremendous success in COVID-19 vaccination. Recognizing the progress made in Bangladesh’slabour sector, Under Secretary Fernandez proposed for a regular consultation mechanism to remain engaged on the labour issues.
In the 2nd session on the Labour issues, ILO Country Director in Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen made an independent presentation on the progress Bangladesh made in the labour sector. Workers' Rights Coordinator of the AFL-CIO Laura Gutierrez, Solidarity Center Executive Director Shawna Bader-Blau and Bangladesh labour representative KaziRahima Akter attended this session.
Foreign Ministry said that both the sides agreed to hold the 3rd round of the consultation in 2023 in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time.
