UK trade envoy visits Dhaka to deepen economic ties, boost investment and expand trade cooperation as Bangladesh enters new political phase under recently elected government, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The United Kingdom has stepped up efforts to deepen its economic partnership with Bangladesh, as trade envoy Baroness Winterton arrived in Dhaka this week for a high-level visit focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The trip marks Baroness Winterton’s third visit to Bangladesh and comes at a significant moment, following the formation of the country’s newly elected government in February. The visit is being positioned as a signal of the UK’s intent to reinforce long-standing ties while exploring new avenues for cooperation across sectors including trade, economic development, higher education, aviation and defence.
During her visit, the envoy is expected to hold talks with senior government ministers as well as military officials, with discussions centred on strengthening collaboration and identifying shared priorities for sustainable growth. The UK government has reiterated its position as a reliable, long-term economic partner for Bangladesh, particularly as the country seeks to transition towards a more diversified and resilient economy.
Baroness Winterton is also scheduled to engage with business leaders and representatives of UK firms operating in Bangladesh, reflecting a growing emphasis on private sector partnerships. These discussions aim to unlock further opportunities for two-way trade and to strengthen commercial links between the two countries.
A key focus of the visit is the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), under which Bangladeshi exporters benefit from preferential access to the British market. The scheme allows duty-free access for a wide range of goods, simplifies rules of origin to make exports more competitive, and encourages diversification beyond traditional sectors such as garments. It is also designed to support long-term economic development through job creation and sustainable growth.
Bangladesh remains the largest beneficiary of the scheme, supplying competitively priced goods to UK consumers while supporting employment across its manufacturing base. Officials say the framework plays a crucial role in strengthening economic resilience and broadening the country’s export portfolio.
Speaking during the visit, Baroness Winterton highlighted the enduring nature of UK–Bangladesh relations, noting that both countries continue to benefit from expanding trade and investment links. She said she looked forward to engaging with political leaders, businesses and entrepreneurs to identify fresh opportunities for economic growth.
Sarah Cooke also underscored the importance of the visit, describing shared prosperity as central to the bilateral relationship. She said the envoy’s repeated visits reflected the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh as it enters what officials describe as a new phase of development.
The UK is one of Bangladesh’s largest export markets and a key development partner, with cooperation spanning trade, investment and institutional support. The visit is expected to further consolidate this relationship, particularly as Bangladesh looks to move up the value chain and reduce reliance on a narrow range of exports.
