Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The 'partnership dialogue' between the United States and Bangladesh began in Washington on Wednesday in order to expand areas of bilateral ties between the countries.
The annual dialogue, first of its kind since US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton inked the agreement in Dhaka last May, will focus on economic, security and trade issues, foreign ministry and official sources said in Dhaka.
Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Mohamed Mijarul Quayes is leading Bangladesh delegation that comprises high officials from foreign ministry, commerce, energy, labour and employment, home, defense and economic relations division.
Members from Board of Investments and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, as well as Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) are also scheduled to join the meeting.
The first day of the two-day dialogue was marked by detailed discussions on security and development cooperation as well as trade and investments.
Issues such as disaster management, counter terrorism, UN peacekeeping operations, expanding horizon to secure fund from Millennium Challenge Fund, increased development assistance for Bangladesh, and duty-and-quota free access of Bangladesh textiles to US market were discussed.
Mijarul Quayes and US Under Secretary Wendy R Sharman will hold bilateral talks on Thursday at the plenary, according to reports.
The Bangladesh delegation will also hold talks with US buyers and importers on the sidelines of the dialogue, which will be held once every year to promote mutual interests.
BBN/SSR/AD-20Sept12-11:20 am (BST)
