A delegation from the German Embassy met with the BKMEA leaders today in a courtesy meeting at the association’s Dhaka office.

The meeting was presided over by BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem while Executive President Mr. Fazlee Shamim Ehsan and Director Mr. Rajiv Chowdhury were also present.

From the German Embassy, Ms. Anja Kersten, Deputy Head of Mission; Ms. Melanine Pfnner, Attachée; and Mr. Mehrab Bin Tarek, Economic Affairs Officer attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on Bangladesh’s upcoming LDC graduation, challenges in the international market, fair pricing, due diligence and other key issues concerning trade relations between Bangladesh and Germany.

BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem highlighted that Bangladesh exports the highest to the European Union markets under the GSP facility. However, after LDC graduation, this facility will no longer be available, while the country is not yet fully prepared to face that challenge. He urged the German Embassy to extend cooperation if the Bangladesh government seeks to postpone the LDC transition.

Drawing the attention to the HRDDD Act, Mr. Hatem said, the law is binding on us. But buyers are not willing to pay fair prices accordingly. As a result, this is creating a kind of pressure on us. That is, buyers are practicing unethical procurement, which is not desirable. He urged the embassy's cooperation in getting fair prices for the RMG products.

In response to a question on US tariff, BKMEA Executive President Mr. Fazlee Shamim Ehsan stated that the current arrangement is satisfactory but stressed the need for its long-term sustainability. He emphasized that the Bangladesh government should continue active discussions on this matter.