Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin emphasised the country's commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system by ensuring effective dispute resolution and bolstering human resource capacity as it prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the "National Workshop on WTO Dispute Settlement" held in Dhaka on Tuesday (December 3), the adviser highlighted the importance of adapting to new challenges and opportunities that will accompany this transition.
"Graduating from LDC status is a significant milestone in our economic journey," said Sheikh Bashiruddin. "This transition offers new opportunities but also requires enhanced capacity within our business organisations and workforce."
He underscored the need for strategic bilateral and multilateral negotiations, saying, "As we progress, Bangladesh will engage in establishing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements. Furthermore, our relationships with regional blocs such as the EU, SASEC, and ASEAN will deepen, paving the way for broader trade and economic cooperation."
The adviser stressed that the three-day workshop would play a pivotal role in equipping participants with a better understanding of WTO dispute settlement mechanisms, helping them apply this expertise to their professional responsibilities.
Other speakers at the event included Mohang Selim Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce; Jorge Castro, Director of the Legal Affairs Division of the International Trade Organization; and Dr. Nazneen Kawsar Chowdhury, Additional Secretary of the WTO Division at the Ministry of Commerce.
The workshop has drawn participation from officials of various government ministries and business leaders, aiming to foster a better grasp of international trade rules as Bangladesh prepares for its next economic chapter.