Play store
The European Union is exploring the possibility of a future free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and wants to remain a partner in the country’s development after its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said.
Speaking at a session of the fifth Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka on Sunday, Miller said the EU no longer viewed Bangladesh simply as a recipient of assistance. Instead, there was scope to build a broader partnership based on mutual benefits, he said.
Miller stressed the importance of ensuring a balance of interests before entering into FTA negotiations. He said such an agreement would require a “level playing field” for businesses.
The ambassador said geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, climate change and rapid technological shifts had made the world increasingly uncertain. In such circumstances, he said, the EU’s commitment to international law, the UN Charter, human rights and rules-based trade had become increasingly important.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s strategic importance, Miller said the country was becoming increasingly significant in South Asia, the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region. He also noted Bangladesh’s economic progress and its transition from the LDC category.
He stressed the need to strengthen institutions to ensure the success of any future FTA, including the rule of law, labour rights, human rights, environmental protection and good governance. Independent oversight and a predictable decision-making environment for investors would also be important, he said.
Miller identified skilled manpower, a green economy, export diversification and reliable infrastructure as key challenges for Bangladesh. Progress in these areas, he said, could help attract more domestic and foreign investment and create employment opportunities for young people.
The EU also wants to increase European investment in Bangladesh while bringing technology, higher standards, long-term capital and innovation to the country, he said.
Miller said the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) trade arrangement had played an important role in Bangladesh’s development and that the time had come to take bilateral ties towards a higher and more strategic partnership.
Bangladesh and the EU have already discussed moving towards formal negotiations on an FTA, with both sides seeking to deepen long-term trade and investment ties.
The Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), is being held under the theme “Navigating Power, Technology and Trust in a Reimagined World”. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered the opening address on Saturday.
The three-day conference, which concludes Monday, has brought together nearly 200 speakers, 300 delegates and more than 1,000 participants from over 100 countries.