Press release

A two-day workshop on Strengthening the Capacity for Multilateral Trade Negotiations with focus on the Doha Round was inaugurated at BRAC Center Inn on 15 March 2004. The workshop is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with financial support from the European Commission.

Mr. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister of Commerce was present at the inauguration ceremony as Chief Guest. Mrs. Selima Rahman, Minister for Cultural Affairs was Special Guest and Ambassador Esko Kentrschynskyj, Delegation of the European Commission was Guest of Honour.

In his address, Ambassador Kentrschynskyj stressed that trade-related capacity building has become an essential element in EC-Bangladesh development cooperation. In this context, an important objective is to further strengthen and consolidate Bangladesh's negotiating capacity in multilateral talks to take full advantage of international trade arrangements. The Ambassador pointed out that Bangladesh is already a vital player in WTO negotiations and that it has played a constructive role as LDC spokesman. He also underlined that the multilateral trading system remains a high priority for the EU.

The European Commission in its current country strategy for Bangladesh has allocated 49 million Euro (59 million US$) for trade capacity building and private sector development, with the overall aim to promote export diversification and increase competitiveness. This includes support to the WTO cell in the Ministry of Commerce and to the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute. It further covers awareness raising measures in the private sector and a major project for standards and quality management. The EC is also the largest donor to the South Asia Enterprise Development Facility which helps small- and medium-size enterprises establish businesses in Bangladesh.

For more information, please contact:

Delegation of the European Commission

Tel: 8824730 - Ext. 114

Delegation of the European Commission to Bangladesh
House 7, Road 84
Dhaka 1212
Bangladesh