WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC) hosted the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina for the roundtable, “U.S.-Bangladesh Economic Cooperation.”
Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Bangladesh commercial partnership, saying, “The United States is a major economic and development partner of Bangladesh. Both countries have intensive engagements in many areas, including trade and investment. Our shared aim is to achieve mutual benefit and prosperity for our peoples.” Prime Minister Hasina also underscored that Bangladesh is considered a “role model of socio-economic development” due to its achievements in good governance, rule of law, female empowerment, and digitalization.
Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Prime Minister Hasina in her inaugural visit to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and discussed the private sector’s partnership in Bangladesh’s growth trajectory. “Today, Bangladesh is among the top ten fastest growing economies on earth,” said Clark. “The U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Hasina in 2021, has a growing roster of 40 members across a diverse range of critical sectors. As part of its efforts to promote free enterprise and rules-based trade around the world, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is expanding its engagement in Bangladesh and across the Indo-Pacific.”
Ambassador Atul Keshap, President of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council and Senior Vice President for South Asia at the U.S. Chamber, applauded Bangladesh’s economic performance: “Bangladesh is a modern miracle, and one of the most exciting growth stories in the world. The nation is set to graduate LDC status by 2026, and on a trajectory to become a trillion-dollar economy in the next 20 years.” Ambassador Keshap also remarked on how Bangladesh’s growth under Hasina’s tenure has been employment-driven, gender-inclusive, and underpinned by commitments to environmental sustainability and human development.
Steven Kobos, President and CEO of Excelerate Energy, and Chair of the USBBC Board of Directors, recognized the Government’s ability to raise living standards and achieve 100% electrification while also demonstrating regional leadership on climate resiliency. Mr. Kobos also stated, “under the Honorable Prime Minister’s steady leadership, Bangladesh has achieved impressive economic growth, graduating from LDC status while lifting millions out of poverty.”
About USBBC:
The U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council is a business advocacy platform built to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties, and advance policy transparency and business reforms on behalf of our members. The Council offers the latest insights on Bangladesh policy and industry-specific developments, engages senior U.S. and Bangladesh government officials, and advocates on commercial priorities. We provide support on strategic advisory, market-entry, business-to-business and business-to-government opportunities.
