UK reassures BD of tariff-free market access after Brexit

FT ONLINE

The United Kingdom has reiterated its pledge to continue tariff-free access for Bangladeshi goods to its market after leaving the European Union.

"I repeat the UK's commitment to continue tariff-free market access for Bangladeshi goods entering the UK market after the UK leaves the European Union," Permanent Under-Secretary of the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office Sir Simon McDonald told the second Strategic Dialogue between the UK and Bangladesh held on Thursday at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London.

According to a press release issued Friday, the UK commended Bangladesh for hosting over one million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals and stressed the need for their voluntary, safe, and dignified return to their homeland.

It said Bangladesh welcomed the UK's assurance that it remains committed to keeping the international spotlight on the Rohingya crisis, and to supporting Bangladesh in its humanitarian response and the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

"The dialogue involved a fruitful exchange of views on political and bilateral issues, economic and development cooperation, security and defence cooperation, and exchanges on current global issues, including the Rohingya crisis," the release said.

Permanent Under-Secretary of the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office Sir Simon McDonald led the UK side at the Strategic Dialogue while Bangladesh side was headed by Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque.