Dhaka, Sep 14 (V7N) – A high-level delegation from Washington, in their first meeting upon arriving in Dhaka on Saturday, advocated for economic reforms in Bangladesh to bolster US investments.

During discussions with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at a city hotel, the delegation highlighted the potential of US businesses to positively impact Bangladesh’s economy across various sectors, including energy, data centers, and transportation. "With the right economic reforms in place, the American private sector can unlock Bangladesh’s growth potential through trade and investment," they remarked.

Leading the delegation was Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury, who arrived earlier in the day. He will be joined by colleagues from the State Department and USAID, with Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu arriving later in the afternoon from New Delhi.

The visit, which follows the formation of Bangladesh's interim government on August 8, is seen as an effort to further bilateral relations in a shifting political environment. Washington has expressed support for the interim government, formed after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister on August 5. The delegation’s agenda includes discussions on how the US can assist Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability, and development.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin confirmed that the talks would cover a broad range of issues as the delegation is scheduled to meet with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday.

"The arrival of the US delegation during the interim government reflects the importance they place on relations with Bangladesh. This conversation will be multi-faceted, not restricted to a single topic," Jashim Uddin said ahead of the talks, adding that he will host a working lunch for the delegation on Sunday.

In conjunction with the visit, the US government recently lowered its travel advisory for Bangladesh from Level 4 to Level 3, urging its citizens to reconsider travel rather than avoiding it entirely.

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