Shibbir Ahmed: Representatives of 25 leading US companies have held discussions with Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obayed Islam, focusing on trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh as well as challenges faced by businesses operating in the country.

The discussions reaffirmed the shared interest of Bangladesh and the United States in strengthening bilateral economic and commercial relations and expanding cooperation in trade and investment.

On Thursday, August 13, Shama Obayed Islam hosted a luncheon in Dhaka in honor of a visiting delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC). Bangladeshi business leaders and members of the US delegation exchanged views and shared their experiences regarding trade, investment, and the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Bangladesh.

Welcoming the US delegation, the State Minister emphasized the importance of sustained engagement and stronger connections between the business communities of Bangladesh and the United States.

The discussions covered a broad range of areas in Bangladesh-US economic relations. Business leaders from both countries explored opportunities for greater cooperation in key sectors, including energy, technology, the digital economy, healthcare, agriculture, and financial services.

Earlier in the day, the US business delegation held a two-hour meeting with the Prime Minister. The Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Commerce Minister, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs Adviser, and relevant advisers to the Prime Minister were also present.

The meeting included detailed discussions on strengthening Bangladesh-US trade and investment relations and identifying new areas for economic cooperation between the two countries.

The 45-member US delegation is visiting Dhaka from August 11 to 13. It includes representatives from 25 leading American companies operating across a range of sectors, including energy, technology, financial services, healthcare, and agriculture. One of the key objectives of the visit is to identify opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.

Among those attending the luncheon were Oliver Simpson, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Excelerate Energy and mission lead of the delegation, and Ambassador (Ret.) Atul Keshap, President of the US-Bangladesh Business Council and Senior Vice President for South Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce. Other USBBC representatives, senior Bangladeshi government officials, and prominent business leaders were also present.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, Peter Haas, Strategic Adviser at Excelerate Energy, and Ambassador (Ret.) Atul Keshap delivered remarks and expressed their appreciation.

They praised Bangladesh’s warm hospitality and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hold meaningful discussions with government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders in the country.