Bangladesh has solicited support of a congressman to get duty-free and quota-free access of its goods to the US market. Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin met Congressman Adrian Smith in Washington on Monday and discussed trade-related issues and other development achievements of Bangladesh, the embassy said, reports bdnews24.com. Mr Smith is one of the members of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over all taxations, tariffs, and other revenue-raising measures. Mr Ziauddin told the congressman Bangladesh is one of the largest apparel exporters to the US. However, it and other Asian and Oceanian Least Developed Countries (LDCs) do not get Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) access of their products to the US market. He pointed out that all the 34 African LDCs under a group called ‘AGOA’ (African Growth and Opportunity Act) are enjoying this facility. “Therefore, a section of LDCs are deprived of getting the equal access to the US market,” he said. The ambassador urged that the US allow all LDCs to get DFQF access on the basis of justice and fair play. He also highlighted that the European Union is providing DFQF access to all 48 LDCs on everything but arms. Congressman Smith appreciated Mr Ziauddin’s brief on the trade issues, and said he would look into the DFQF issue. He said trade encourages the opportunity of people to contribute to the economy and it establishes “good partnerships” among countries.
