‘Bangladesh may get tariff benefit for few more years after graduation’

Bangladesh may get extension of tariff benefit for few more years after its graduation from the least developed country category in 2026, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said today.

"We have been negotiating for 12 years for continuation of the tariff benefit after the graduation. However, the extension may be given six years. Still it would be good for us."

Ghosh was speaking at the virtual launching of UNCTAD LDC Report 2021 participated by economists, diplomats and officials of the United Nations.

The secretary also sought cooperation from other countries to give Bangladesh the GSP Plus status in the EU countries after the graduation.

Currently, six sub committees under the principal secretary to the prime minister have been working to identify the challenges and probable remedies after the LDC graduation of the country, Ghosh said.

Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, also echoed the views of Ghosh.

It will be good for the country if the extension is given even for seven years at least, Rahman said.