Dipu Moni seeks duty-free access to US market

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said US-Bangladesh relationship had undergone a transformation--from aid dependence to an economic relationship that focuses on trade and investment.
In this regard, she emphasised on the importance of duty free, quota free access of the Bangladeshi products to the US market.
The foreign minister was speaking at a discussion in Washington DC on Thursday jointly organised by Paul H Nitze of Advance International Studies, John Hopkins University and US Bangladesh Advisory Council, said a press release.
Dipu Moni said Bangladesh is willing to play a complimentary role to the US efforts in handling the common challenges of today's world.
"Bangladesh could work with the United States in showcasing the progressive, liberal and democratic face of Bangladesh to the international community."
She said that in the evolving global context Bangladesh could work with the Obama administration to intensify fight against global poverty and extremism, help rebuild broken societies through UN peacekeeping and peace building efforts and address the challenge of climate change through creative efforts.
Referring to the support Bangladesh received from the US, the Bangladesh foreign minister paid rich tribute to late Senator Edward Kennedy for his role during the tumultuous days of Bangladesh's War of Independence.
She also recalled the role of US Congress played for the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh through free, fair and credible election of last December.
Earlier in the day, Dipu Moni had a meeting with the editorial board of the reputed newspaper The Washington Times.
She exchanged views on various development activities in Bangladesh and also the relations between Bangladesh and the US.
Sajeeb Wazed, adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, high government officials, academia, experts in South Asia, members of the print and electronic media, students, investors and businessmen and officials of Bangladesh embassy attended the discussion.