Bangladesh seeks New Zealand's support to join RCEP

31 Mar '26

1 min read

Bangladesh seeks New Zealand's support to join RCEP

Pic: Shutterstock

Insights

Bangladesh has sought New Zealand's support to join the RCEP at a bilateral meeting between the former's Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and the latter's Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay in Yaounde, Cameroon.
McClay described Bangladesh as a 'suitable partner' for RCEP, and assured his cooperation.
He also proposed initiating talks for a bilateral FTA to expand trade.

Bangladesh recently sought New Zealand’s support to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at a bilateral meeting between the former’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and the latter’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay on the sidelines of the fourteenth World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Citing Bangladesh’s strategic geographical location and its growing middle class as key factors for inclusion in the pact, Muktadir said the new government is focused on integrating the country into global value chains and fostering a business-friendly environment for trade-led growth.

McClay described Bangladesh as a ‘suitable partner’ for RCEP, and assured his cooperation in coordinating with other member states regarding the issue, according to Bangladesh media outlets.

He also proposed initiating negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement to expand trade.

The meeting also discussed Bangladesh’s broader trade strategy following its graduation from the least developed country status.

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